Mediterranean Migrations. A Historical profile of Italy from the Middle Ages to the present day

The aim of this study is to draw a summary of the history of migrations arriving and departing from Italy between the Middle Ages and the present day. In fact, due to its particular position in the Mediterranean context, the history of Italy has been marked by intense inward and outward mobility. Even the Alps, rather than being a barrier, have historically constituted a passage for arriving and departing peoples. Moreover, there have also been political and socio–economic reasons that have contributed to making Italy a crossroads of migratory paths: the recurring wars have pushed the exiles in different directions, the invasions have also led to migratory phenomena of entering and leaving. Sincethe Middle Ages, cultural institutions and universities have favoured the arrival and circulation of intellectuals. The role of trade and manufacturing activities, and the phenomena of agricultural colonization have led to an intense circulation of the population on the Italian territory. We will focus on the role of the immigrants and foreign communities in the Italian states. Weshall investigate patterns of settlement of migrants as well as issues related to coexistence between local populations and immigrants.We will also examine Italian emigration to European and extra–European territories Findings. Through a comparative analysis of the available data it will be possible to identify theelements of continuity in the long term as well as the peculiarities that have characterized every single migratory phenomenon.