Southern Italy

Southern Italy

Southern Italy, also called Meridione or Mezzogiorno, is a large area in the south part of Italy. It includes several regions that were once ruled by the old Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. These lands share a rich history and culture that is different from other parts of Italy.

The island of Sardinia is sometimes thought of as part of Southern Italy, even though it had different rulers in the past. When people talk about Southern Italy today, they usually mean the areas on the mainland and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Southern Italy is important because it has beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and a unique way of life that many people visit to learn about and enjoy. It plays a big role in Italy's history, culture, and economy.

Etymology of Mezzogiorno

The word "Mezzogiorno" is similar to the French word "Midi", which means "midday" or "noon". It describes how strong the sunlight is at midday in the southern part of the Italian peninsula. This name became popular after the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was joined with the Savoyard Kingdom of Sardinia and became part of Italy in 1861.

Regions

Further information: Regions of Italy

Southern Italy has several areas. They were once part of an old kingdom called the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. These areas are Abruzzo, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, and Sicily. Sometimes, the island of Sardinia is also included with these areas for counting and money matters, even though it has a different culture and history.

Geography

Further information: Geography of Italy

Southern Italy is the lower part of the Italian "boot." It includes areas like the ankle (Campania), the toe (Calabria), the arch (Basilicata), and the heel (Apulia). It also includes Molise and Abruzzo, as well as the island of Sicily, which is separated from Calabria by the narrow Strait of Messina. The Gulf of Taranto—an arm of the Ionian Sea—lies between the heel and toe of the boot.

The eastern coast is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, which connects to the wider Mediterranean via the Strait of Otranto. On the Tyrrhenian Sea, there are beautiful areas named after cities like Salerno, Naples, and Gaeta. The Amalfi Coast is a famous stretch along the northern coast of the Gulf of Salerno.

History

Main article: History of Italy

Prehistory and antiquity

See also: Magna Graecia

In the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, Greeks settled in southern Italy. They wanted new places to trade and escape crowded homes. They settled in places like Sicily and along the southern Italian peninsula. The areas were already home to native groups like the Ausones, Oenotrians, and Iapyges. Over time, Greek culture influenced these people.

The Romans called this area Magna Graecia because it had many Greek settlements. The Greeks brought their language, customs, and ways of governing cities. One important gift was the Greek alphabet, which later evolved into the Latin alphabet we use today.

Many Greek cities grew rich and powerful, such as Naples, Syracuse, and Agrigento. Although Greek influence faded, some areas in southern Italy still keep bits of Greek language and traditions today.

After the Greeks, the Romans took control. Later, it was ruled by the Eastern Roman Empire before the Lombards took over in the 6th century.

Middle Ages

See also: Emirate of Sicily, Norman conquest of southern Italy, Kingdom of Sicily, and Kingdom of Naples

During the Middle Ages, southern Italy was influenced by many groups. After the Roman Empire fell, the area was ruled by the Eastern Roman Empire. Later, the Lombards and then the Normans took control. The Normans established the Kingdom of Sicily, known for its mix of cultures and religions living together peacefully.

Important figures like King Frederick II helped shape the laws and culture. He founded universities and built famous buildings. Eventually, the kingdom split into two parts: Sicily and Naples.

Early modern history

See also: Italian Wars and War of Spanish Succession

In the years that followed, southern Italy changed hands many times. It was ruled by the Spanish, the French, and others. Each ruler brought new influences and changes.

Early 19th century

See also: Kingdom of Two Sicilies

In the early 1800s, Napoleon and his family took control of southern Italy for a time. After Napoleon was defeated, the region was reunited under the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. However, this peace did not last long.

Southern and northern Italy in 1860

See also: Expedition of the Thousand, Defeat of the Kingdom of Naples, and Post-Unification Italian Brigandage

When Italy unified in 1860, there were big differences between the northern and southern parts. The north had more roads, railroads, and industries, while the south lagged behind. Many in the north saw the south as less developed and needing help.

After 1861

See also: Meridionalism

After Italy unified, the southern economy struggled. Many people moved away to find better opportunities, leading to a large Italian diaspora. Over time, some areas in the south began to industrialize, but it still lags behind the north in development.

Demographics

Economy

Main article: Italy's North–South economic divide

After Italy became one country in the late 1800s, the southern part had big economic problems. Many farmers and small business owners struggled to make money because of heavy taxes and unfair rules. This made many people leave their homes to find better opportunities.

In the 1950s, a big plan was started to help improve the southern economy. It included creating new farms and giving money to build businesses. But these plans didn’t work as well as hoped, and the south still struggles to create jobs and attract new businesses. Today, the south relies a lot on tourism and its rich history to bring in visitors. Even though there has been some growth, many people in the south still don’t have jobs, especially women. Some areas in the south are richer than others, with Abruzzo being the richest and Calabria the poorest.

Culture

The regions of southern Italy have had many different influences. First, ancient Greeks settled in an area called Magna Graecia, leaving a strong mark. Later, the Romans took control, but Greek traditions returned during the time of the Byzantine Empire.

Sicily has a mix of cultures from Normans, Arabs, and Byzantines. Over time, other groups like the Byzantines, Lombards, Franks, and Venetians also influenced the area. In the Middle Ages, many people in southern Italy followed a form of Christianity.

Southern Italy was later ruled by Spain, shaping its culture. Today, the area has many beautiful places to visit, like the Palace of Caserta, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii. It is also home to ancient Greek cities such as Sybaris and Paestum. Southern Italy still celebrates its traditions, including music like the Neapolitan song and the tarantella.