To the vulpine characteristics developed under the shadow of the Medici there were now added qualities of a more virile stamp.

Though dominated in turn by the masters of the Mediterranean, by Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, by the men of Pisa, and finally by the Genoese Republic, the islanders retained a striking individuality.

The rock-bound coast and mountainous interior helped to preserve the essential features of primitive life.

Foreign Powers might affect the towns on the sea-board, but they left the clans of the interior comparatively untouched.

Their life centred around the family.