The history
'Calabria'
is the most recent name given to the region. Its most ancient
name 'Italia', came from the Peucetian branch of the first
inhabitants of this region, 'Itali'; meaning a land of
mountains and woods, full of calves ('vituli'). Later on,
Calabria was called 'Brettia' from the 'Brettii', or because of the
Levantine goddess who bore the same name. After that, being
colonized by the Greeks, it received the name of 'Magna Graecia'
('Great Greece'). It was eventually called 'Calabria' in the VII
century a.D., by the Byzantine. Calabria has seen the presence
of Arabs, Berbers and Gypsies, along with the more common
Indoeuropeans. There are traces of the passage of the Vandals,
Goths, Longobards, Slaves, Bulgarians, Armenians, Dalmatians,
Normans, and more. To this we must add the more consistent passage
of the French, the Catalans and the Spanish, corresponding to
many chapters of a long, very tormented, sometimes tragic and
painful history. For instance, the expulsion of the Jews from
Calabria in 1541, after they had been present actively for twelve
centuries, as is well documented; also the massacre of the
Waldenses in Guardia, on the Paola Appennine, in June 1571, to make
them embraced Lutheranism. Very few survived the violence, either
unwillingly accepting Catholicism, or escaping death through exile.
Their descendants, some scores of people still present in the
territory of Guardia Piemontese and San Sisto dei Valdesi, still
speak the language of Provence and keep up, at least in part, their
ancient traditions.
|
 |
The Art
The region has a
rich heritage of past civilization: archaeological excavations have
uncovered ancient colonies in Sibari, Crotone, Catanzaro, Locri,
Vibo Valentia, Cosenza and Reggio Calabria. Remains of Roman
baths, theatres and bridges are found throughout the area. Some
religious buildings show Byzantine influences, dating back to the
period when the region was part of the Byzantium Empire . Gothic
styles from the thirteenth century are also found. The Renaissance
style is present in the paintings. The Baroque influence can be seen
in several monuments.
|
