AJACCIO

town, capital of Corse-du-Sud dpartement, Corse rgion, France, and Mediterranean port, on the west coast of the island of Corsica. Napoleon's birthplace, Maison Bonaparte, is now a museum, as is part of the city hall. The original settlement of Ajax was founded by the Romans 2 miles (3 km) north of the present site, to which the town was removed by the Genoese in 1492. Save for the period 155359, the city did not become French until 1768. From 1793 to 1811, Ajaccio was the capital of Liamone dpartement, and in 1976 it was made capital of Corse-du-Sud dpartement, one of the two into which the island was divided. Its economy rests largely on tourism, but there is some light industry and shipping. It is the seat of a prefect and a bishopric. Regular air and steamer services connect Ajaccio to the French mainland. Pop. (1990) 59,318.