Italy

France ceded Naples to Spain on January 31st, 1504.

Jon Cook identifies the mix of factors that helps explain the Florentine Renaissance.

Peter Furtado previews a new exhibition devoted to J.M.W. Turner’s visits to the historic city in the first half of the 19th century.

Richard Cavendish explores the papacy of Pius X, who was elected on August 4th, 1903.

Richard Cavendish describes the Battle of Civitate, fought by the Normans and a papal coalition on June 18th, 1053.

Christopher Duggan recalls the contribution of a forgotten Italian statesman - Francesco Crispi.

F.G. Stapleton defends the record of Italian governments from 1861 to 1914.

Timothy Benson assesses Hitler's irritated reaction to being lampooned by David Low of the Evening Standard.

Guiseppe Verdi, described by the Italian parliament as 'one of the highest expressions of the national genius' died on January 27th, 1901, aged 87.

The radical Italian thinker was burned at the stake on February 17th, 1600.