Exilles

Exilles (Occitan: Exilhas, local Occitan: Isiya, Piedmontese: Isiles, Latin: Scingomagus, Italianization under Italian Fascism: Esille) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Turin in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) west of Turin, on the border with France. As of 31 May 2007, it had a population of 277 and an area of 44.32 square kilometres (17.11 sq mi). The municipality of Exilles contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Deveys, Cels, San Colombano, and Champbons. Exilles borders the following municipalities: Bardonecchia, Bramans (France), Chiomonte, Giaglione, Oulx, Pragelato, Salbertrand, and Usseaux. Geographical significance The ancients considered Exilles the first place in Italy coming from Gaul over the Alpine passes. As Scingomagus (Greek Σκιγγόμαγος, Exilles is first mentioned by Strabo (iv.), who says, when he is speaking of one of the passes of the Alps, that from Ebrodunum (modern Embrun) on the Gallic side through Brigantium (modern Briançon) and Scingomagus and the pass of the Alps to Ocelum, the limit of the land of Cottius (the Alpes Cottiae) is 159 kilometres (99 mi); and at Scingomagus Italy begins, and the distance from Scincomagus to Ocelum is 43 kilometres (27 mi). Pliny the Elder also (ii. 108) makes Italy extend to the Alps at Scincgmagus, and then he gives the breadth of Gallia from Scingomagus to the Pyrenees and Illiberis. Demographic evolution The number of inhabitants of Exilles has steadily declined since at least 1861. References ^ As seen on the entrance road sign (cf. Google Street View) ^ Richard Talbert, Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, (ISBN 0-691-03169-X), Map 17. ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat. This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "article name needed". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray. External links www.comune.exilles.to.it/