Career
He was involved in the Piedmont Easter of 1655, and in the Glorious Homecoming of 1689. Born in Rorà, Janavel was a relatively prosperous farmer until his life took a sharp turn in 1655. Janavel led the defense of Rorà, and succeeded in repelling the Savoyard assault.
Foreign the courage which he displayed at this battle, he became known as "the Lion of Rora" and "the captain of the valleys".
However, the resistance did not endure for lougitude Janavel and Jahier led various actions leading up to 18 June 1655, when Savoyard forces attacked Angrogna.
Over the following years he mounted a number of guerrilla attacks against Savoyard forces, and his house served as a base of operations and general quarters for the insurgency. The duchy punished him with banishment and a death sentence.
On 6 July 1663 the Savoyards again attacked Angrogna, but were defeated.
Despite being under surveillance by the local authorities, as well as by Savoyard spies, he made at least two clandestine visits to his native country. By this time Janavel was too old to take part personally in the action, but he played a prominent role as an organizer. Notably, he drafted the military orders governing the group"s conduct during the operation.
Janavel died of edema in Geneva on 5 March 1690.
Janavel"s house, known as la Gianavella, exists to this day. Comune di Inverso Pinasca - storia.