In the fourth century B.C., upheaval and transformation spread across the central Mediterranean. The Samnites pushed into southern Italy as Rome fortified its power with new colonies and alliances. In Sicily, tyrants like Dionysius I and Agathocles vied with Carthage, while Timoleon briefly restored democracy to Syracuse. Philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to Aristoxenus shaped the era’s intellectual life. By century’s end, Rome, Carthage, and Syracuse emerged as dominant powers, setting the stage for greater conflicts ahead. I. Samnite (Sabellian) Expansion and Greek Resistance 1. The Samnites/Sabelli 2. Apulia 3. Notable Philosophers II. 400–390 B.C. 400 B.C. (XCV Olympiad) 399 B.C. 397–396 B.C. 390 B.C. III. 389–380 B.C. 389–387 B.C.…

This text covers the 5th century BC in Italy and Sicily, spanning the expansion of Samnite/Sabellian power in Campania and beyond, the continued growth of Greek colonies (from Capri to Bari and across Sicily), and the political upheavals triggered by both local tyrants and external powers like Carthage. Major philosophical movements take shape—most notably the Eleatic school—while key historical figures (Pythagoras, Zeno, Empedocles) and states (Syracuse, Akragas, Carthage, Athens) contend for dominance. The century climaxes with momentous battles (Himera, Salamis, the Athenian siege of Syracuse) and shifting alliances that reshape the balance of power throughout the central Mediterranean. I. Early 5th Century BC (c. 500 – 490 BC) II. Rise…

This text focuses on the 6th century BC in Italy and neighboring regions, a time of expanding Greek colonies (particularly in southern Italy and Sicily), Etruscan and Samnite advances in Campania, and the transition from monarchy to republic in Rome. It highlights prominent figures such as the poets Stesichorus, Anacreon, and Ibycus, as well as philosophers and lawgivers like Pythagoras and Charondas. Monumental temple-building projects (e.g., at Selinus, Metapontum, Syracuse, and Poseidonia) reflect the vibrant cultural scene, while key political events—such as the foundation of the Roman Republic in 510 BC—foreshadow the wider transformations yet to come. I. Early 6th Century BC (c. 600–580 BC) c. 600 BC 599 BC…

This text covers developments in Italy and nearby regions during the 7th century BC. It highlights the continued growth of Greek colonies in Southern Italy and Sicily, Phoenician settlements along the coasts, the rise and fall of local rulers in places like Kroton, and the evolving political landscape in Rome. Volcanic eruptions, the foundation of new cities, and the spread of written language also figure prominently in this era, marking a vibrant period of cultural exchange and expansion. I. 7th Century BC (General) II. (c. 700 BC) III. 696 – 688 BC IV. 684 – 680 BC V. 676 – 670 BC VI. 668 – 660 BC VII. 657 –…

This text highlights key developments in Italy during the first millennium BC, from Phoenician and Greek colonization to the rise of Etruscan power, the spread of Indo-European peoples, and the legendary founding of Rome. I. Around 1000 BC II. 9th Century BC III. 8th Century BC A. General Developments (c. 800–700 BC) B. Olympiads and Key Foundations C. Rome’s Legendary Foundation D. Greek Colonization of Sicily E. Greek Expansion in Southern Italy

This text surveys Italy in the 3rd through the 2nd millennium BC, covering Chalcolithic and Bronze Age cultures, volcanic eruptions, and the arrival of Indo-European and other groups, setting the stage for early urban settlements and trade networks across the peninsula and islands. 3RD MILLENNIUM – 2ND MILLENNIUM BC I. Gaudo Culture (Chalcolithic, Campania) II. c. 3000 BC III. Late 3rd Millennium BC IV. c. 2000 BC V. Early 2nd Millennium BC (c. 1900 – 1800 BC) VI. Mid-2nd Millennium BC (c. 1780 – 1600 BC) VII. Late 2nd Millennium BC (c. 1500 – 1400 BC) VIII. Late Bronze Age Migrations and Settlements (c. 1360 – 1100 BC) IX. Early…

This text offers a concise prehistoric timeline of Italy, from dinosaur fossils and early hominids to volcanic eruptions, Neolithic settlements, and the rise of megalithic temples. PREHISTORY I. Lower Paleolithic (c. 1,300,000 – 150,000 BC) II. Middle Paleolithic (c. 150,000 – 40,000 BC) III. Late (Upper) Paleolithic (c. 40,000 – 10,000 BC) IV. Transition to the Mesolithic (c. 9500 – 7000 BC) V. Early Neolithic (c. 7000 – 6000 BC) VI. Later Neolithic (c. 6000 – 4500 BC) VII. Toward the Copper Age and Early Bronze Age (c. 4150 – 3000 BC)