Taranto

The Constitution of Melfi was issued by Emperor Frederick II in 1231. Although signed and promulgated in Melfi, its impact was nationwide, including Taranto, which was part of the Kingdom of Sicily. These laws centralized the administration and brought reforms that affected medieval Europe's legal and bureaucratic systems.

The battle of Otranto in 1481 involved the city of Taranto when the Ottoman Empire attacked the Apulian coast. The event was part of the larger conflict between the Ottomans and the Italian states, and the coastal cities of Southern Italy, including Taranto, faced significant danger and had to defend against further incursions.

In 1801, during the Napoleonic Wars, Taranto was occupied by French forces as part of Napoleon Bonaparte's campaigns in Italy. The city and its surrounding region were strategically important for Napoleon’s efforts to control the Mediterranean and expand his influence over Southern Europe.

In 1861, Taranto became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. This marked the end of centuries of various foreign dominations and the beginning of a unified Italian state. The unification process was significant for the development of modern Italy and brought about major political and social changes in the region.

In 1943, Taranto played a crucial role during World War II as the site of a significant naval base. The port was targeted by Allied forces, and the city suffered heavy bombardments. The presence of major naval operations made it a focus of military strategies in the Mediterranean theater.

In 1965, the establishment of an industrial zone in Taranto marked a significant shift in the city's economy. The construction of the steel plant, one of the largest in Europe, transformed Taranto into the industrial heart of the region, creating thousands of jobs, but also leading to environmental challenges and pollution.

In 272 BC, Taranto was captured by Roman forces led by Lucius Papirius Cursor. The city had been a significant center of resistance against Roman expansion, but its defeat marked the decline of Greek power in the region and the expansion of Roman influence throughout the Italian peninsula.

Taranto, also known as Tarentum in antiquity, was founded as a Greek colony by the Spartans around 380 BC. It became one of the most powerful cities in Magna Graecia and played a significant role in the Hellenistic world. The city was built on the natural harbor and its acropolis was located on an island connected by bridges to the mainland.

In 1995, Taranto faced a severe environmental crisis due to decades of industrial pollution. The city's steel plant was the center of controversy as it was linked to high rates of cancer and health issues among residents. This prompted public outcry, legal battles, and significant action to address the environmental damage and protect the health of citizens.

In 2012, an Italian court ordered the partial shutdown of the ILVA steel plant in Taranto due to environmental and health violations. This decision was the result of years of legal and social activism demanding accountability for pollution and its impact on the local population. The shutdown aimed to reduce harmful emissions and bring the plant into compliance with environmental standards.