Umbria: a brief history lesson
The region of Umbria, also called the green heart of Italy, is located in central Italy. It is the only Italian region that borders neither the sea nor another country. For me, Umbria is mainly characterized by picturesque, medieval villages in a backdrop of green hills. But despite the fairytale towns and characteristic landscapes, Umbria is less known to tourists than, for example, Tuscany. This means that you can enjoy the rich history and nature in peace, especially outside high season.
Before exploring the region, it might be helpful to have some basic knowledge about Umbria's history. So.. Let me take you back in time and give you some more background information. Are you ready?
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The Umbri and Etruscans
Archaeological finds show us that the area of Umbria was already inhabited in the Bronze Age. But unfortunately, very little is known about this period.
What we do know, is that around the 6th century BC, the Umbri tribe settled in the area. This is the same tribe to which the region owes its current name. The Umbri built several towns to the east, including Gubbio, Assisi, and Spoleto. Today you can admire archaeological finds from this period in most of these towns. One of the most important finds is the Tabulae Iguvinae: seven inscribed bronze tablets that are considered the most important documents of the ancient Umbrian language.
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The Etruscans had settled on the western side of Umbria. They also built several cities, including Perugia and Orvieto. But this was not enough, and the Etruscans targeted the area where the Umbri tribes lived. This eventually led to an invasion, and the Umbri were driven into the Apennine Mountains.
A few hundred years later, the Umbri and Etruscans had to join forces to fight against the Romans. But it was in vain. Between the 4th and the 2nd centuries BC, Umbria was gradually subjugated to the Roman Empire.
Roman Empire
The region thrived under the Romans. In 220 BC Emperor Gaius Flaminius built the Via Flaminia. This became the main road through the territory and ran from Rome, over the Apennines, all the way to Ariminum (modern-day Rimini). The Via Flaminia passed through towns such as Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, and Trevi. It enabled these towns to grow and realize large buildings such as the theater in Spoleto.
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Umbria has also been the site of some historic battles. An example is the defeat suffered by the Romans after being ambushed by Hannibal near Lago Trasimeno during the Second Punic War.
Duchy of Spoleto
After the fall of the Roman Empire, chaos ensued, and Umbria was invaded several times. Examples are the invasions by the Ostrogoths and Byzantines. During this chaotic period, Christianity flourished, and the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo in Perugia became one of the first churches to be built outside of Rome.
In the 6th century, the Lombards founded the Duchy of Spoleto. This ended the chaos, but for how long?
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Papal rule
The Duchy of Spoleto lasted until the 13th century. A conflict arose between Umbrian families who wanted to be ruled by the Pope (Guelphs) and families who wanted to be governed by the Holy Roman Empire (Ghibellines).
The traces of this conflict can still be seen today in the many Papal fortresses (rocche), such as the Rocca Albornoziana in Spoleto.
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By the end of the 18th century, the French Revolution had broken out, and the French invaded a large part of Italy. This led to Umbria being part of the (second) Roman Republic from 1798 and part of the Napoleonic Empire from 1809.
After Napoleon's defeat, the Pope regained power over Umbria and ruled the region until 1860. One year later, Umbria became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
If you're reading this, it means you haven't fallen asleep yet. Great! With this brief history lesson in mind, you are ready to explore Umbria! Hopefully, it will help you recognize traces from different periods of rulership.