The life and times of an ancient land

Since ancient times, Calabria has been the land of transit for the great Mediterranean civilisations. As other cultures settled in the region and as the Greek colonies failed to maintain a large presence, a delicate balance best summed up by the Magno-Greek culture was created.

The distance that separated Calabria from the power centres as well as the great formation of families that acted without the greater interest of the public, have contributed to the image of Calabrians as perpetually rebellious.

At the beginning of the 18th century, a nucleus of Calabrians began to move towards the sea. After a millennium of isolation in the mountains, this people began working towards the creation of the region.

The 17th century saw the early stages of a flourishing Calabrian economy, and also witnessed the start of smuggling, seen as a way to escape the high taxes.

At the end of the 19th century, many Calabrians moved to the United States, attracted by the promises of great wealth.

World War I brought great suffering for the Calabrians, who were prevented from modernising by the sprouting of fascism.

During this period, many Calabrians were jailed for their anti-fascist activities. Towards the end of the decade, a gradual but continuous emigration towards the industrial north began. These people, much like their ancestors, were also searching for a better life.

In the last few years, the region has been blessed by a resurging economy due, in large part, to tourism and farming.

Also helping the revival has been the establishment of the University of Calabria, as well as the extension of the railway and highways, thereby finally integrating the region with the rest of the peninsula.