The Routledge Handbook of the History of Naples since the Middle Ages

This book offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of Naples-a city of profound historical depth and multifaceted complexity situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean.Spanning from the Late Middle Ages to the present day, it examines the intricate relationships between power, society and urban transformation that have shaped its distinctive identity. Moving beyond traditional narratives, this volume presents a blend of diachronic narrative and thematic insights into key aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural history.It traces Naples' assertion as the capital of an early-centralised kingdom, charting its physical evolution along with its economic and social fabric.This book also examines the city's complex search for a redefinition of its role in the post-unification era-a pivotal turning point in its history-ultimately providing readers with the coordinates for deciphering the history of a city whose image is heavily influenced by myths and s