an ancient city of Italy, situated in E. Long. 15° 20'. N. Lat. 40° 35'.—It is generally supposed to have been founded about the year 600. It was at first subject to the dukedom of Naples, and was governed by annual prefects; but being afterwards created into a duchy, it extended its territory, which reached eastward from Vico Vecchio, and westward to the promontory of Minerva, including likewise the island of Caprea, and the two islands of the Galli. Towards the north it comprehended the cities of Lettere, Gragnano, Pinomonti, and Capule di Franchi; towards the south, those of Scala, Ravelli, Minorì, Majuri, Atrani, Tramonti, Agurola, Citara, Prajano, and Roflano.—The laws which this republic made with regard to trade and commerce, afterwards had the same authority in the kingdom of Naples as the Rhodian laws had among the Romans.—At present Amalfi is subject to Naples, and is the see of an archbishop. It is famous for giving birth to Flavius Blendus, inventor of the mariners compass.