Emilia-Romagna is a region in the central northern part of Italy south of the Po River. Which consists of nine provinces: Rimini, Ferrara, Reggio nell’Emilia, Forli, Parma, Modena, Ravenna, Piacenza and Bologna. The cities were actually separate in the first Century BC as Emilia and as Romagna. Before the Romans took control of this region it was in command by the Etruscan’s, then the Gauls. The region’s monasteries gave way to flourishing trade, culture and religion that are still apparent today. During this period the University of Bologna was created in 1088. Which is said to be one of the, if not, oldest universities in the world. This university also aided in keeping the economy and culture thriving over the years. There are many instances of unstable political figures and periods during Emilia-Romagna’s history beginning with the Etruscans and ending with the emersion into Italy. In the Second Century BC a series of market towns were created along the road, Via Emilia by the Romans. These market towns still exist today and “has lent its name to the western portion of Emilia Romagna” (Emilia Romagna2). The Byzantines took over after the fall of the Roman Empire, thus began the Exarchy of Ravenna, “a period of two hundred year golden age that has left its artistic mark before the Frankish King Pepin conquered the area and donated [it] to the Pope” (Emilia Romagna2). This donation was clearly stated in the “Donation of Constantine.” After years of residents of both Emilia and Romagna trying to defend their freedom from tyrant Popes and leaders; eventually, this region would be conquered for the Papal States. Emilia and Romagna “would then be parceled out to the house of Bourbon, with Modena and Reggio, joining the Italian nation in 1859. The name was “Emilia-Romagna” was joined together in 1947 in an effort by the citizens to “revive the ancient Roman name” (Emilia Romagna2).
The Lambrusco grape, which is famous in the region, “appears to have lasted for...