Ancient Italian Tribes - The Ligurians

Welcome Back (bentornati) to Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges Newsletter. We publish bi-weekly exploring the food, culture, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and history of our beloved Italy.

With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a humble shepherd of peace and compassion. His unwavering dedication to justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people touched hearts across the world. May he rest in eternal peace.

The history of Catholic popes begins with Saint Peter, whom Catholics consider the first pope. According to tradition, Jesus appointed Peter as the leader of His followers, symbolized by the "rock" upon which the Church would be built. Peter became the bishop of Rome and was martyred there around 64 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero. His successors, also bishops of Rome, inherited his spiritual authority. Over time, the term "pope" (from the Greek pappas, meaning "father") came to be used exclusively for the bishop of Rome.

During the early centuries, the role of the popes was primarily spiritual, as they navigated persecution and later cooperated with Christian emperors after Constantine's conversion. However, by the Middle Ages, the papacy had evolved, gaining significant political power that often rivaled kings and emperors. Notable figures like Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) expanded the Church's influence. The crowning of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800 AD was a significant event, reinforcing the pope's role in European governance. The Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), during which seven popes resided in France rather than Rome, marked a period of political conflict and a decline in papal prestige.

The Reformation in the 16th century posed a significant challenge to papal authority, as Protestant movements rejected the pope's leadership. In response, the Catholic Church reaffirmed papal primacy during the Council of Trent (1545–1563). In modern times, the papacy has transitioned into a more pastoral and global role, especially under figures like Pope John Paul II, who was instrumental in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, and Pope Francis, who emphasized social justice and environmental concerns, making the papacy a global force for change. The history of Catholic popes reflects a complex journey of spiritual leadership, political engagement, and global influence that continues to evolve today.

The Ligurians inhabited northwestern Italy, in the regions of current-day Liguria and parts of Piedmont. They also extended into the part of current-day France, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. They were short of stature and known to be brave, strong, and energetic. It is an open question whether they were or did they mix with the Celts. They were a loose confederation of several peoples: the Inguani, Intemelii, Commoni, Euganei, Salyes, Tergesti, and Trumplini ( I kid you not, but fascinating ).

From about 2000 BC, they controlled much of the Alpine areas in Italy but were not prevalent in today's Ligurian coastal strip. (It's an Interesting fact that my father's line DNA points to the Italian Alpine Area.) About 1000 BC, the Orobii Tribe inhabited Bergamo, Como, Lecco, Licini Forum, and Parra.  It is thought that around 600 BC, they merged with Celtic immigrants from the Rhine and Danube regions of Eastern Europe as they began to migrate south across the Alps and into Italy. In 400 BC, the Celts invaded more of Northern Italy to gain fertile lands. In 205, Hannibal's brother Mago lands in Liguria. By 185, the Iguani tribe is at war with Rome. They lose six towns to Appius Claudius. Four years later, they are attacked by Aemilius Paullusm.  For the next 100 years or so, they were in constant battles with Rome. Eventually, during several campaigns in 25 BC, 16 BC, and 15 BC, forty-four Ligurian tribes were defeated by Augustus, and in 5 BC, a Roman monument was erected to mark the defeat and mark the boundary between Gaul and Italy.

Draw the scenic Umbrian landscape in a small group with professors Davide Prete and Lynn Sures

A week of art and Umbrian culture, with full immersion in historical cities and picturesque towns on our day-long excursions.

Professors Davide Prete and Lynn Sures lead the small group in drawing adventures to off-the-beaten-track places often overlooked by travelers.

The Experience:

We offer one-week session with diverse drawing destinations within Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive June 15 and depart June 23

FEES AND ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ONE WEEK SESSION:

$2600 per person based on single room, +1 available with $1000 supplement)

 *Your optional Plus 1 may share your accommodation and participate in organized breakfast/dinners and transportation to same locations, but not organized activities related to the course.

Calendar of payment dates

A $500 deposit reserves your place in the workshop. The deposit is non-refundable and due NOW.

Payment and deposit are fully reimbursed if the course is canceled.

The first and second installments are non-refundable unless a waiting list participant fills that slot—because participants will purchase air tickets when the course is confirmed.

TO REGISTER GO TO www.davideprete.com/drawing_in_italy Code Phil~italy

Phil~italy is hosting three upcoming group shared experiences, in places where Italy has tremendous influence, if not in Italy itself.

Please text your interest, even if you have not already decided, to 917.523.9068 or email [email protected] 

Additional private days before and after if desired.

Phil~italy will reach out to interested parties asap to inform about the feasibility of doing the trip, based on level of interest before May 2025, at which time final decision will be made.  Entice your neighbors, family and friends!  These trips are those of a lifetime! The prices are very reasonable for all inclusive land packages. Plan your trip to Italy: Text or email Phil to arrange a 30-minute introductory appointment at +1.917.523.9068 cell/WhatsApp - [email protected]