History - Southern Italy - page 462

ism, access to water, sustainable transport, Internet connectivity, and development. Des-
pite its initial success, this new kid on the political block would itself become a victim of
uncertainty. Local elections in May 2013 revealed a sharp drop in support for the party, a
shift many blamed on the Five Star Movement's stubborn refusal to negotiate with the
centre-left during the February election crisis.
Although much has happened since it was written, Paul Ginsborg's A History of Contemporary Italy: Society and
Politics 1943-1988 remains one of the single most readable and insightful books on postwar Italy.
c 200,000-9000 BC
As long ago as 700,000 BC, Palaeolithic humans like the 'Altamura Man' lived precarious lives in
caves. Painted caves like the Grotta dei Cervi bear testimony to this period.
3000- 1000 BC
The Bronze Age reaches Italy courtesy of the Mycenaeans of Eastern Europe. The use of copper and
bronze marks a leap in sophistication, and is accompanied by a more complex social organisation.
750-600 BC
The Greeks begin establishing cities all over southern Italy and Sicily, including Naxos and Syracuse
in Sicily, and Cumae, Sybaris, Croton, Metaponto, Eraklea and Taras in southern Italy.
264-146 BC
The Punic Wars rage between the Romans and the Carthaginians. In 216 BC Hannibal inflicts defeat
on the Romans at Cannae, but the Romans go on to ultimately defeat the Carthaginians in 146 BC.
280 BC- AD 109
The Romans built the Via Appia and then the Via Appia Traiana, which covered 540km and enabled
travellers to make the journey from Rome to Brindisi in just 14 days.
AD 79
Mt Vesuvius showers molten rock and ash upon Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pliny the Younger later
describes the eruption in letters; the towns are only rediscovered in the 18th century.
300-337
After a series of false starts, the Roman Empire is divided into an Eastern and Western half just east
of Rome. In 330 Constantine moves the imperial capital to Byzantium and refounds it as Con-
stantinople.