a town of Italy, Lombardy, not far from the Ticino, near the foot of Lake Maggiore, 27 miles N.W. of Milan. It is an ancient, well-built town, containing a handsome palace, a court of law, and two parish churches. There are also here some remains of antiquity; and a cypress-tree of gigantic size and great age. It was near Somma that Hannibal gained his first victory on Italian ground, completely defeating the Romans under Scipio, B.C. 218. The town has some trade in wine and silk, and a population of 4000.

a town of the kingdom of Naples, in the province, and 9 miles E. of Naples, at the north foot of Mount Vesuvius. It contains a castle, several churches and monasteries, a college and an hospital. The northern summit of Vesuvius, anciently known as Mons Summanus, is now called Monte Somma. Some trade is carried on at Somma in wine and fruit. Pop. 7000.