Information AboutPotenza |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT POTENZA | |
| cities and towns in basilicata | |
Potenza ('' in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata (former Lucania). It is the capital of the Province Of Potenza and the Basilicata region. The city is the highest regional capital and one of the highest provincial capitals in Italy, overlooking the valley of the Basento river in the Apennine Mountains of Lucania, east of Salerno . Its territory is bounded by the comuni of Anzi , Avigliano , Brindisi Montagna , Picerno , Pietragalla , Pignola , Ruoti , Tito , and Vaglio Basilicata . HISTORY Ancient times According to Strabo and Pliny The Elder , ''Potentia'' was one of the most ancient free cities of Lucania. The first settlement was probably located at a lower elevation than at present, some 10 km south of today's Potenza. The Lucani of Potenza sided against Rome 's enemies during the latter's wars against the Samnites and the Bruttii . Subjugated during the 4th century BC (later gaining the status of ''municipium''), the Potentini rebelled after the Roman defeat at Cannae in 216 BC. However, the Battle Of The Metaurus marked the end of any Carthaginian aspirations in Italy, and Potentia was reconquered by the Romans and reduced to the status of military colony. Middle Ages In the 6th century, the city passed to the when the Angevin lord conquered the Kingdom of Sicily. On December 18 , 1273 , an earthquake further devastated the city. Modern age In the following years, the city existed quietly under various feudal owners. Potenza was the site of riots against Spanish domination, and in 1694 it was almost completely destroyed by another earthquake. With the declaration of the Neapolitan Republic in 1799, Potenza was one of the first cities to rebel against the king. After temporary Bourbon repression, the city was conquered by the French army in 1806, and declared the capital of Basilicata. King Joachim Murat improved the city's living conditions and administration, and some urban improvements were introduced for the visit of Ferdinand II in 1846. A revolt broke out in 1848 and was again put down by Bourbon forces, and a third devastating earthquake followed in 1857. Potenza rebelled for the last time in 1860, before Garibaldi 's revolutionary army brought about the Unification Of Italy . In September 1943, the city suffered heavy Allied bombing. In 1980 , another strong earthquake struck Potenza. MAIN ATTRACTIONS
TRANSPORTATION Potenza is a rail junction on the main line from Salerno to Taranto . TWIN TOWNS |
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