Etna has had a fairly active past, erupting on numerous occasions both far in the past and throughout the 20th century. The following map displays some recent eruptions and where the lava flows ran:
This shows the threat to Zafferana (see 'Preventative Measures')and the earthen barrier is shown as it was at the end of the Val Calanna. Generally it also shows the scale of the lava flows, some over 10km long.
Despite this scale though Etna is not a blatant killer as only 73 deaths throughout history have been directly attributed to its eruption, and those that are, tend to be people entering restricted areas on the slopes.
In 1669 people first attempted to change the lava flow (see above link) and further attempts have been made throughout the late 20th century to varying degrees of success.
