Basilicata
[key], region, 3,856 sq mi (9,987 sq km), S Italy, bordering on the
Tyrrhenian Sea in the southwest and on the Gulf of Taranto in the southeast.
It forms the instep of the Italian “boot.” Potenza is the capital of Basilicata,
which is divided into Potenza and Matera provs. (named for their capitals).
The region is crossed by the Lucanian Apennines; its main river is the
Bradano. Because of a dry climate and a scarcity of groundwater, farming is
difficult, although it is the occupation of most inhabitants of the
generally poor region. Olives, plums, and cereals are grown, and sheep and
goats are raised. There is also some fishing. The transportation network is
very limited, and commerce and industry are minimal, except in the Pisticci
zone where a chemical plant is located. Natural gas also has been discovered
near Matera. Basilicata corresponds to most of ancient Lucania and to part of ancient Samnium. Rome took the region in 272
b.c.; it later passed in turn to the Lombards, to the
Byzantines, and (11th cent.) to the Norman duchy of Apulia, of which
Melfi (now in
Basilicata) was the capital. Although later a part of the kingdom of Naples,
Basilicata was controlled by virtually independent feudal lords. Malaria,
still a scourge on the coasts, caused the flourishing coastal towns to be
abandoned in the early Middle Ages. In the 20th cent. there were reclamation
works and social and land reforms in Basilicata, but many of the inhabitants
emigrated to foreign countries (especially the United States) or took jobs
in the industrial cities of N Italy. The region has suffered numerous
earthquakes.
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