MODENA, a duchy of Italy, bounded on the south by Tuscany and the republic of Lucca, on the north by the duchy of Mantua, on the east by the Bolognese and the territories of the Church, and on the west by the duchy of Parma; extending in length from south to north about 56 English miles, and in breadth between 24 and 36, and yielding plenty of corn, wine, and fruits, with mineral waters. In some places also petroleum is skimmed off the surface of the water of deep wells made on purpose; and in others is found a kind of earth or tophus, which, when pulverized, is said to be an excellent remedy against poison, fevers, dysenteries, and hypochondriac disorders. The country of La Salsa affords several kinds of petrifications. The principal rivers are the Crostolo, Secchia, and Panaro. The family of Esté, dukes of Modena, is very ancient. They had their name from Esté, a small city in the district of Padua. They retained the sovereignty of this duchy till it was conquered by the French in 1795. After this it formed a part of the Cisalpine republic, and latterly of the kingdom of Italy. But since the peace of Paris in 1814 it has regained its independence. The duke, though a vassal of the empire, has an unlimited power within his own dominions.