Abruzzo and Molise

Many different tribes populated this part of Italy in ancient times, living a predominantly pastoral life, caring for their animals and growing food. People inhabited the few low-lying areas along the Adriatic seashore and beside the rivers in the green, fertile valleys. During the Augustan era (27BCE to AD14), the whole region was subdued and incorporated into the Roman Empire, after much fierce resistance from the local people.

Between the 6th and 19th centuries, the area underwent numerous changes of government due to its position as a wedge between the north and south of Italy. Garibaldi’s campaign to unify Italy brought all the regions together in 1860, but this was no unqualified blessing - Molise and Abruzzo suffered from their relatively poor development during the centuries of constant fighting, and there was a spate of migration, both abroad and to other parts of the country. It was not until 1963 that Molise was recognised as a separate region from Abruzzo, with its own proud traditions.