Reggio Calabria is a city in the southern Italian region of Calabria. Located on the Strait of Messina, it is the largest city and the capital of the region. Reggio Calabria has a long and varied history, having been inhabited since the Stone Age and having been ruled by a number of different civilizations.
The earliest inhabitants of Reggio Calabria were the Sicani, an ancient people who lived in the area from the 11th century BC to the 7th century BC. They were followed by the Greeks, who founded the city of Rhegion in 743 BC. The city was an important port and trading post for the Greeks, and it was also the site of the legendary Battle of Rhegion in 476 BC.
The Romans took control of Reggio Calabria in the 3rd century BC and ruled it until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. The city was then ruled by the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, and the Aragonese. During this time, Reggio Calabria was an important trading center, particularly for wool and silk.
In the late 16th century, Reggio Calabria was annexed by the Spanish, who ruled the city until the 18th century. During this period, the city was a major center for the production of wine and other agricultural products.
The 19th century saw the unification of Italy and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. Reggio Calabria was the capital of the region of Calabria, and the city experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. This period was followed by a period of decline in the early 20th century, as the city was devastated by a series of earthquakes and floods.
Today, Reggio Calabria is a vibrant and modern city, with a rich cultural heritage and an important port. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and monuments that showcase its long and varied history. It is also a popular tourist destination, with a number of beautiful beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions.