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Samnite soldiers from a tomb frieze in Nola, 4th century BC By Anonymous 4th century BCE painter - "Champs de Batailles", April 2010, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10128100

The Samnite Wars: Rome’s decisive struggle for Italy

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Long before the Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean, the Roman Republic fought a series of conflicts that would determine its control of the Italian peninsula. Among the most decisive were the Samnite Wars, a set of three major wars fought between Rome and the Samnites during the fourth and early third centuries BC.

new bridge in Florence to be named after Nencioni sisters

Florence to name new Arno bridge after Nencioni sisters

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A new bridge over the Arno River linking two districts of Florence will be named after the Nencioni sisters – Nadia and Caterina – killed in the 1993 mafia bombing in the city.

ERTMS installation sees closure of high speed link between Rome and Florence 11-12 April 2026. Rail disruption with 24 hour strike this weekend. Credit: istock

Rome–Florence high-speed rail line temporary closure for ERTMS

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Rail traffic on Italy’s main high-speed corridor between Rome and Florence will be suspended for part of the weekend of 11–12 April 2026 to allow the activation of a new European train control system (ERTMS).

Stricter citizenship laws are in place affecting those claiming an Italian passport by descent. Passport regulations finally updated after 60 years. Citizenship by descent

Italy confirms limits on citizenship by descent

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s system of citizenship by descent — long known for allowing claims through multiple generations of ancestry — remains in place, but with significant new limits introduced by legislation in 2025 and now upheld by the country’s top court.

grave concern over middle east. Image credit: quirinale

Italy voices grave concern over Middle East

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s Supreme Defence Council expressed “grave concern” on Friday over the escalating conflict in the Middle East following the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The council, chaired by President Sergio Mattarella, met at the Quirinal Palace in Rome to assess the international situation and the effects of the crisis across the Middle […]

Venice Art Biennale to have dissidents projects. Image credit: Biennale

Biennale chief announces platform for dissidents

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The president of the Venice Biennale has said this year’s edition will also give space to political dissidents after criticism over the decision to allow Russia to have a pavilion at the event. Pietrangelo Buttafuoco told the newspaper Il Foglio that the Biennale was preparing two initiatives aimed at highlighting voices critical of governments around […]