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Elizabeth Cox, Carreau Mueller, Todd Olmstead
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Area: 3,514 sq km
Population: 374,500
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1
Capital of Tuscan Region
by Carreau Mueller
For centuries Florence has found itself amidst a wealth of fine art, architecture and thought. From medieval times to the present, Florence remains a destination for travelers throughout the world. Not only was it considered to be a center of medieval European trade and finance, it is also considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Were it not for its amenable climate, it may not have found itself in such high esteem.
Over the years a myriad of Medici’s flooded the streets of Florence. Seen as a preeminent ruling family, many years were spent under the control of the Medici. Another of the many famed names to come out of Florence was Niccolo Machiavelli. Known for provocative thought and insight, he too proved to be a driving force in the development of society.
Florence’s legacy is not only limited to people of great prominence who contributed greatly to society, but also the collections of artwork and architecture in Florence are spectacular in their own right, and perhaps unparalleled elsewhere. Such marvels as the Santa Croce church which houses the tombs of Galileo, Michaelangelo and Dante, the Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo [Duomo.jpg: The Duomo] and the Uffizi Gallery, are just a sampling of the finery found within the city limits. At present, approximately sixty percent of the world’s most important works of art are located in Italy. It is approximated that at least half of which make their home in Florence (See http://www.aboutflorence.com/art-and-culture-of-Florence.html).
Historically locals have been humbled by the Arno River, which runs through the city. The uncontrollable nature of nature has created a love-hate relationship between citizens and their river. While it can serve as a support system to local commerce, it as has also been known to flood. In 1935, the famous Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, [OldBridge.jpg: The Ponte Vecchio] which spans the Arno at its widest point, was built as a replacement for the previous bridge, which was swept away in a flood, (See http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/24e41/4/7ec1/).
Typically, the Tuscan region is known for its hot and at times humid conditions. While winter months may provide a chilly snap, spring brings a welcome transition into warmth, with a bit of precipitation to promote the rebirth of a plethora of flora. The summer months proceed to increase the heat. Late summer and early autumn tend to provide weather most conducive to tourism.
Florence is a city conducive to pedestrian travel. Inner portions of the city are closed off to mass transportation, allowing only taxis and residents of the neighborhoods within specified boundaries. However, having yet to standardize catalytic converters, air pollution continues to provide reason for concern. As such a marked increase is noticeable during summer months when weather patterns support a sharp increase in tourism.
The prevalence of the warmth in the region has clearly made it a welcoming destination over the centuries for people to work, study and congregate. Not only has the weather in the region traversed great expanses of time, but so too have a number of traditional festivals and events unique to the city. A number of festivals are celebrated throughout the course of the year. In February, the Florence Carnival is a spirited event that dates back to life in the 15 th and 16 th centuries (See http://www.istc.org/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=15329). In May, a tradition only just a decade old is now celebrated. [Artisans and Palace.jpg: Artigianato e Palazzo] The Artigianato e Palazzo (Artisans and Palace) is a three day fair that celebrates the arts and crafts produced all over Italy, (See http://www.istc.org/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=103821). Every year on Easter Sunday, Scoppio del Carro, or the explosion of the cart takes place. [Scoppio del Carro.jpg: Scoppio del Carro] During the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis at midday mass, the fireworks are lit to the delight of all those in attendance,(See http://www.aboutflorence.com/folkloristic-in-Florence.html).
In June, the annual Clacio Storico (Costumed Football Game) takes place in the Piazza Santa Croce. [clacio storico.jpg: Clacio Storico] The game itself is said to originate from an ancient Roman ball sport, which became a Florentine specialty in the golden age of the Tuscan capital, (See http://www.istc.org/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=15287).
Another important festival also makes its home in the month of June. The Festival of Saint John is celebrated on the 24 th of June. [Festival of Saint John.jpg: Saint John ] Costumed locals, parades, dances, sing alongs and many other forms of jubilation are the order of the day as Florence celebrates in all possible ways its historical connection to the figure of Saint John, the city’s patron saint, (See http://www.istc.org/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=29950). Festivals are a time of celebration in Florence, whether decades or centuries old Florentines take the notion of celebration to heart.
In looking back through the history of Florence a number of pertinent periods should be given attention. Foundations of Florence date back to Roman times, if not prehistoric times. The Byzantine and Lombard period, the Carolingian period, the early middle ages, the period of the “communes,” the thirteenth century, the period of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, the period from the fourteenth century to the renaissance, the renaissance, the sixteenth century, the great names of the sixteenth century, the decline of the Medici family, the Lorrraine period, Florence’s time spent as capital, and more modern periods of history are all rich in detail. Through many ups and downs in the city and regions development a spectacular society and city emerged. More recent developments include the necessity for urban planning, the damage that word war II inflicted, the contrast of an old city and modern development and the prospects of the new millennium for this centuries old city.
Due to the vast amount of detail within each of the aforementioned periods in the development of Florence ’s history there is not enough space to display everything. This site provides an excellent account of each period.
by Elizabeth Cox
Generally when one thinks of Florence, Italy the names of artists and intellectuals such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Donatello are the first things that pop into mind. This city has had a significant world-wide influence in art and architecture for the past few centuries and is still considered today to have one of the richest cultures in the world. However, along with its beautiful architecture, art and landscape, Florence, Italy is also known for its gorgeous weather. The climate of Florence over the years has been consistently temperate with little disruptions which has made this location a great tourist location at any point of the year. This weather is not only conducive for tourism, but also has been a key ingredient for this city’s success agriculturally.
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city with a population of 374,500 people and is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. The climate of Florence is extremely temperate with warm, dry summers and mildly cold winters with a short rain-season in the early winter months. The summer months generally have an average of 70 degrees F, with July and August being the two hottest months, averaging a daytime temperature of 95 degrees F. July and August can be particularly a hard time in Florence as the heat can be quite suppressive especially when it is accompanied with the high tourism rates.
The early autumn months are much less stifling with both lower temperatures and tourism rates. The weather generally falls in the 60’s and 70’s F. during this time of year and are many travel guides recommended period to travel here. The end of fall however, marks the beginning of the rain season and can be quite wet and unpleasant as downpours can occur that sometimes last for days.
During the winter time, weather drops into the 40’s and 50’s and the periodic rainstorms of the fall slowly come to an end. This cold period is very short however, as spring is quick to come in the early months of the new year. During the spring time, Florence is at its best, with beautiful weather generally in the 60’s and 70 degrees F. along with very little rain and is one of the most popular times of year for tourism.
This seasonal yet temperate climate of Florence is due to its location in the Tuscany region. Tuscany is surrounded by the Apennines to the North and East and by the Mediterranean to the West. Florence then lies in a small basin that is surrounded by hills within this region. This location has provided Florence with great protection of the years from harsh or extreme weather conditions.
Florence ’s varying climate has enabled it to grow a vast array of crops of different fruits, vegetables and grains and has also enabled it to establish itself as one of the world’s leading producers of olive oil and grapes. Approximately 37% of Italy ’s land is crops or orchards. The major crops in this region include: tomatoes, corn, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, rice, and soybeans. The orchards generally consist of apples, peaches, pears, oranges, figs, dates, and nuts. It is Italy ’s unique variation of climate, soil and elevation (approx. 75 m above sea level) that has allowed it to grow such a variety of croeps. Florence ’s ability to have such a varying and abundant array of crops has been extremely beneficial to its economy.
(See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence,_Italy)
Besides crops, tourism has been the other main factor in supporting Florence ’s economy. With world-famous architecture and artwork such as The David [David.jpg: The David] by artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Donatello, Florence has attracted tourists from around the world for many years; according to statistics collected by UNESCO, Italy contains 60% of the world’s most famous artworks, and over half of these are located in Florence. (See http://www.aboutflorence.com/art-and-culture-of-Florence.html)
Although tourism has been extremely conducive to Florence ’s economy, it has had many bad side effects on Florence ’s climate and environment. For example, the majority of streets in Florence do not allow for car travel, and only allow for city bus transportation and scooters. The number one pollutant in Florence is from the scooter and bus engine emission. This pollution is extremely damaging to the city as it slowly eats away many of Italy ’s most famous sculptures, architecture and artwork. Such pollutants such as nitric acid and sulfur dioxide are extremely damaging to the marble fountains and sculptures that are found all over Florence. These chemicals when react with the marble, set off a chemical reaction known as sulfation that gradually transform marble into plaster. This reaction is not only caused by car emission, but also naturally by acid rain. Acid rain results in the same effect as these air pollutants and has been extremely damaging to Italy ’s economy as its government has been forced to spend millions of dollars on restoration projects over the years. Unfortunately, no successful restoration project has been entirely successful, as the marble usually begins to deteriorate again after a three-year period. (See http://eces.org/articles/000803.php)
In terms of natural resources, Florence was built upon the Arno River. This river has been the foundation for the first settlers in this area, and has been critical to Florence ’s expansion and success over many generations. Although this river has been generally a positive aspect of Florence ’s population, there have been several times in history where it has destroyed and hurt its culture due to flooding.
History of Florence
Overall, Florence, Italy has quite a temperate climate that has provided its city’s inhabitants few weather worries over the years. The always-changing seasons add to the Florence ’s beauty and attract tourists from around the world. Along with providing comfortable weather, Florence ’s climate has also proven to be very conducive to many crops and orchards which has allowed Florence to be fairly self-reliant. Florence ’s rich cultural past and great weather will continue to draw tourists to its beautiful city for many years to come.
by Todd Olmstead
Florence, Italy lies in the Tuscan region [tuscany.gif: Tuscany ] in the middle of the Italian peninsula, and is a part of the temperate Mediterranean climate region. Being in such a temperate zone means that Italy is less subject to extreme climate change than other parts of the world. This does not mean that throughout recorded history the climate of the region has been static, however we can see many similarities between the climate today and that of the time of the Roman Empire.
H.H. Lamb describes a gradual global warming in Europe leading up to AD (CE) 400. As he says, this is consistent with a rising sea level during the same period of time. We have evidence of Roman writers indicating that olive and the vine could be grown farther north than earlier in Roman history (Lamb, 157). As those two crops are very prominent cultural aspects of Rome, this is a very culturally pertinent piece of evidence. Not only was this northern cultivation of olive and vine possible during Pliny’s time (1 st century CE), but it is still possible now, as olives and wine are two very important parts of Mediterranean culture.
Ptolemy kept a weather journal in the 2 nd century, near the time of Pliny, which Lamb refers to, citing “occurrence of rain in every month of the year except August, of thunder in all summer months, and in that days of great heat were commonest in July and August” (Lamb, 159).
This is still more or less true of the Mediterranean, particularly Florence. [tu30.jpg]While Lamb says that “today the continual north and northwest winds off the sea in [July, August] lower the temperature,” Ptolemy kept his journal in Alexandria, farther south than Florence. While Florence may not have experienced the same “great heat” the Ptolemy did, it is still evident that the warmest days of the year occur during the months of July and August, with high temperatures generally peaking in the 90s (Fahrenheit). Consistent with the temperate nature of the Mediterranean, average temperatures in the cold months (January, February) are usually in the mid-40s, meaning the temperature is never unpleasant.
In consistency with Ptolemy’s report, rain is not uncommon around the Mediterranean, being present in every month of the year this year except July and August (according to www.wunderground.com’s weather history). In terms of climate, the temperate region of the Mediterranean has not undergone great change since Ptolemy’s time. Lamb even says that it was the Romans who pushed their crop further northward, cultivating vines and olives in areas such as England and Germany, evidence that the time was extremely temperate. And while those crops are not generally associated with those regions, it is still possible to grow them there.
In the book The Long Summer, Brian Fagan writes extensively about the ways in which climate affected the sway of power in the Roman Empire. The term ecotone refers to the barrier between two different climate regions. Florence, and more importantly Rome, lie in a temperate Mediterranean climate, as previously mentioned. The land to the north, occupied by the Gallic and Celtic “barbarians,” is characterized by a colder, wetter, climate more suitable to individual subsistence farming. The ecotone between the two regions currently lies in southern France, but in history, depending on overall cooling or warming has been as far north as northern Germany and as far south as Egypt. The predominant climate historically reflects the sway of power in the region.
The Roman Empire was marked by an urban society and was a war machine. The Mediterranean climate is more arid and is perfect for the cultivation of crops that can feed large masses, such as wheat, corn, and millet. The cultivation of such crops meant that the Roman Empire could simultaneously support large urban centers while feeding the large contingents of military stationed throughout Europe. Thus, when the climate became warmer overall, the Roman legions fared well and were able to move into the northern regions. On the other hand, when the climate became cooler, the armies faltered, and the power swayed back into the hands of the northern peoples. Fagan notes that around 800 BC, around the time of the founding of the Roman Empire, European climate began to gradually become cooler and wetter, culminating in the siege of Rome for seven months by the Celtics in 390 BC. According to Fagan, it appeared as though the Celtics would occupy Rome indefinitely, but by 300 BC the ecotone had dramatically shifted north, fostering the type of environment that the Roman war machine thrived on. This is consistent with Lamb’s evidence that Europe became warmer in the years leading up to about 400 AD. During this time, Rome extended its arm of conquest over lands in France, Germany, and England. This is the high point of Roman civilization, during which their culture flourished amidst a period of remarkable political stability. Times, however, like climate, can change, and the cooling that began around 400 AD did not bode well for the Romans. With the ecotone shifting south, the Romans lost control of their military strongholds in the northern lands, allowing uprisings in the rural lands that in turn brought about fear and political instability in Rome. Fagan cites evidence that in 829 AD the climate had cooled such that ice formed on the Nile River during the winter, meaning the ecotone had shifted dramatically south.
Eventually, as we know, the Roman Empire fell apart and was unable to maintain its magnitude or its grandeur, and its downfall is closely linked to climate change. The ecotone currently lies in southern France, where, as Fagan tells us, we can see the vegetation change from Mediterranean to temperate within a few meters. The trend today suggests warming, but unlike in the high period of the Roman Empire, today a lot of this warming appears to be caused by human activity. Political trends show that an Empire of such magnitude as Rome would not be possible today, but undeniably the history of human life is tied closely to our climate.
Bibliography
Lamb, H. H. Climate, History, and the Modern World. 2nd ed. London and New York: Routledge, 1982. 156-170.
Fagan, Brain. The Long Summer. New York: Basic Books, 2004. 189-212.
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