Our quick guide to
Calabrian history starts here
in ancient times, but from
the Longobards onwards read
on.
Following the post classical
period in Calabria the Byzantines
gave way to the Longobards
in the 7th century who united
the territory of Cosenza with
present day Benevento and
Salerno.
The Byzantines seized it back briefly in the 10th century before the Normans arrived a century later.
It was at this time western religious tradition reaffirmed itself and many holy orders and building cropped up.
Yet, history starts to repeat itself with the arrival of the Aragonesi and Angioini, and the subsequent Spanish occupation (1503-1734).
A new period of decadence and social collapse followed. Over two hundred years of petty minded barony, Spanish fiscal control, coupled with an unusual spate of earthquakes, disease and famine, forced the population into rags.
The cavalry arrived in the form of the French and Napoleon's troops who abolished feudalism.
The Risorgimento of the 19th century saw many insurrectionist movements coming out of the region until Garibaldi put an end to Bourbon influence once and for all in 1860.
The immediate period after saw the irrepressible rise of brigandage and a bitter 5 year conflict to establish law and order to help the region realise its full potential. |
