History of Italy: Articles in English archives - Page 23 of 31

On this day in history: Cosimo II de’ Medici born

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Born in Florence 12th May 1590, Cosimo II de’ Medici, reigned as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1609 until his untimely demise in 1621. He assumed a largely ceremonial role during his twelve-year tenure, entrusting administrative duties to his ministers, but was patron of physicist Galileo Gallilei.

On this day in history: Expedition of the Thousand

May 5, 2024May 5, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

On this day in 1860, the Expedition of the Thousand (Spedizione dei Mille) commenced, marking a significant chapter in Italy’s unification under the leadership of the soldier and revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Engraving of Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci will featuire on the new 100 euro banknotes

On this day in history: Death of Leonardo da Vinci

May 2, 2024May 2, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Leonardo da Vinci, born on April 15, 1452, in Anchiano near Vinci, Republic of Florence (Italy), passed away on May 2, 1519, in Cloux (now Clos-Lucé), France. He remains an icon of the Renaissance era.

Palatine Chapel in Palermo Sicily has marvellous mosaics. Image by CarlesVA derivative work: Memorato (talk) via Wikepedia

On this day in history: Palermo’s Palatine Chapel consecrated

April 28, 2024April 28, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Within the heart of Palermo, Sicily, lies a treasure trove of history and artistic splendour – the Palatine Chapel. Consecrated on Palm Sunday, April 28, 1140, this architectural marvel has unparalleled beauty and historical importance.

Marconi who invented wireless telegraphy

On this day in history: Guglielmo Marconi born

April 25, 2024July 20, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In the annals of scientific history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Guglielmo Marconi, the visionary inventor who revolutionised communication with his groundbreaking work on wireless telegraphy.

Brunelleschi's Dome of Florence cathedral. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi Alleged fraud against Florence Cathedral

On this day in history: Filippo Brunelleschi dies

April 15, 2024April 15, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Filippo Brunelleschi died on 15th April 1446 in Florence. One of the fathers of the Italian renaissance, he is probably best known for the dome of Florence Cathedral.

Two busts of Emperor Caracalla, one showing him as a young man

On this day in history: Emperor Caracalla died

April 8, 2024April 10, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, also known as Caracalla, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 198 to his death on 8th April 217 AD.

Dante Giacosa, legendary Fiat car designer

On this day in history: Dante Giacosa “father of the cinquecento” died

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Dante Giacosa, often referred to as ‘the father of the Cinquecento,’ passed away on 31st March 1996 at the age of 91. His contributions to automobile engineering, particularly during his tenure at Fiat, left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.

Pope Clement V who excommunicated Venice in 1309

On this day in history: Pope Clement V excommunicated Venice

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

In 1309, the lagoon city faced a crisis as Pope Clement V excommunicated Venice due to its dispute over Ferrara’s political control.

Virginia Oldoini. Chinese Woman and Marquise, 1861-1867. By Pierre-Louis Pierson, albumen silver print from glass negative.

On this day in history: Virginia Oldoini born

March 22, 2024March 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Virginia Oldoini, famously known as “La Castiglione”, was not merely a woman of breathtaking beauty but also a figure of significant influence in the political and cultural spheres of her time.