When Fascists Dictated Pronouns

Names, Words, and Pronouns: Italianization Under Fascist Rule

Italianization and Linguistic Policies during Fascist Italy. Caption of the cartoon in the featured image: Here Lies the LEI, whose delicate constitution could not withstand … Read more

Mithraic relief, Tauroctony, about 160 CE, Royal Ontario Museum

Ancient Roman Magic: Superstitions and Mystical Symbols

Magic and Religion in the Roman Society. In ancient Roman society, the realms of magic and superstition occupied a unique and often complex space. Far … Read more

Apartment Living in Rome: Insulae Life and Culture

Apartment Living in Ancient Rome: Insulae Life and Culture

Ancient Rome’s Urban Dwelling: Insulae’s Daily Life and Culture. In the bustling city of ancient Rome, a significant portion of the urban population lived in … Read more

A-kiss-by-Lawrence-Alma-Tadema-(1891)

Roman Vacations: Leisure and Pleasure in Ancient Times

How Ancient Romans Spent Their Holidays. The Roman Empire, which spanned from Western Europe to parts of Asia and Africa, is renowned for its military, … Read more

A Marriage in the Moon, 1910, Pioneering Italian Sci-Fi

“A Marriage in the Moon” (1910): A Pioneering Italian Sci-Fi Gem

“A Marriage in the Moon” – Italy’s Early Foray into Sci-Fi Cinema. In 1910, Italian cinema offered its audience a whimsical vision of interstellar love … Read more

Enrico Novelli, Yambo life and works

Italy’s Sci-Fi Pioneer: The Story of Yambo’s Impact on Literature and Cinema

Italy’s Early 20th Century Sci-Fi Renaissance and Yambo’s Role. Enrico de’ Conti Novelli da Bertinoro, better known by his pseudonym Yambo, was born in Pisa … Read more

Why Did Futurism Leave Behind Cinema?

The Cinematic Paradox of Futurism: Why Did the Movement Leave Behind Movies?

Futurism and Cinema: An Unexpected Disconnection. In the context of 20th-century art movements, Futurism is notable for its emphasis on modernity and technological advancement. Born … Read more

View of Lake Averno extending to Baia and Capo Miseno, from the Domitian Way

The Mythical Gate of Hell at Lake Averno

Lake Averno has long been seen as the portal to the netherworld, a belief echoed by figures like Dante and Aeneas. This mystical body of … Read more

Sovereign-State-of-Antarctic-St-George

How Hundreds Fell for Italy’s “Sovereign State of Antarctic St. George”

What Made Hundreds Believe in a Fictional State? The “Sovrano Stato Antartico di San Giorgio”—the Sovereign State of Antarctic St. George—was a phantom nation that … Read more

Italian General's Controversial Book Triggers Debate and Probe

General Vannacci’s Book Sparks National Debate and Official Inquiry in Italy

Government’s Divided Response to Vannacci’s Controversial Narratives. From statements like “dear homosexuals, you are not normal” to “I claim the right to hate,” several remarks … Read more

Ancient-Pompeii-Reveals-Room-of-Slaves

Ancient Pompeii Reveals Room of Slaves: Casting Light on Pompeii’s Lower Class

Artifacts from 2000 Years Ago: Casting Light on Pompeii’s Lower Class. In the Roman villa of Civita Giuliana, just about 600 meters from the ancient … Read more

piazza-san-marco---corno-dogale

Venetian Graffiti:  Inscriptions Reveal City’s Secrets, Interview with Alberto Toso Fei & Desi Marangon

Mapping the History of Venice, One Inscription at a Time. Venice, with its intricate network of canals and architectural marvels, has served as the backdrop … Read more

Daily Mediterranean Detrended Surface Temperature

Unprecedented Maritime Heatwave Grips Mediterranean

Heatwave in Italy: Mediterranean Sea at Record-Breaking Highs. An unprecedented maritime heatwave has gripped the Mediterranean Sea, as it witnesses a substantial upswing in water … Read more