Hello! This is another long suggestion thread, which I apologize for dropping at such an ungodly hour. I hope there is still time for it to be considered for Italy feedback! Italy is a region I had a lot of previous experience with doing research for EU4 mods, so at least it went much faster!
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Going from South to North generally, we have:
Sicily:
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I see that Sicily is based on the administrative divisions of Two Sicilies, with all but two divisions (Acireale and Castroreale) included - I would include those two as well, they certainly seem large enough
1.
Acireale
Notable art center and diocese dating back to Roman times, and a royal city since the 16th century (when it had 6 - 7000 people). Also includes Mascali, an important city and county during the game period. Acireale is well known for its Granita (sugared ice, exported since the 17th century) and lemons, so Sugar or Fruit would be a good tradegood.
2.
Castroreale/Taormina
Castroreale was the administrative seat of this division and a royal castle, but nearby Taormina was perhaps the more important city (receiving the city status in the 16th century). Seems to be a primarily Grain producing region
3.
Licata
Agrigenfo is larger than it's neighbors and has the space for a split, and Licata warrants it - it flourished under Hohenstaufen rule and had a population of 7000 in 1270, played an important role in Sicilian Vespers and was granted autonomy and honors by both German and Spanish rulers. 16th and 17th centuries saw it flourish again, especially due to its large Maltese community. Licata was mostly notable as a port, exporting Grain, Cheese, and later Sulphur, so Wheat or Livestock (or Sulphur if added, or whatever would represent it - Alum or Saltpeter?) would be the best tradegood.
The next three additions do break the K2S province borders, but I believe the cities warrant them
4.
Marsala
A somewhat crowded region already, but Marsala definitely deserves to be included. The largest city in the Trapani Province today, and through much of history, Marsala is the site of the ancient Lilybaeum, the Phoenician capital of the island. It was a wealthy trade port in the Middle Ages until it's port was closed under Charles V. Marsala is obviously most famous for its eponymous Wine
5.
Castrogiovanni (modern Enna)
Today a province center, Enna was particularly important in this period due to being favored by Frederick III (still the ruler for the first few months of the game), who reigned from there during Sicilian Vespers - before declining under Spanish rule and rebounding again in the modern times. It was an important center of Sicilian Lombards - given their prominence, perhaps one of Castrogiovanni/Piazza/Nicosia should have a Lombard majority? The area definitely has the space for another location here, and Enna is also important as the place where the three Valli of Sicily meet. The nearby Pasquasia mine has been an important producer of Alkaline Salts for centuries, making that the obvious tradegood- either Salt or Saltpeter. Later, Sulphur mining also developed.
6.
Troina
Another inland Sicily location, Troina was the first capital of Norman Sicily, an important city under the Byzantines and a bishopric center until the 13th century. Despite its decline that started under the
Anjou dynasty, the city still had periods of prosperity. The location also includes Cesaro. Still, this is easily the least important location I am suggesting. The region produces Wheat, Livestock and Fruit
A:
Alcamo over Salemi
While Salemi is interesting as the "first capital of Italy" and was a city of some note, Alcamo seems significantly more important, being a city with thousands of inhabitants in the Middle Ages (and 13 000 in 1798) and later an administrative center, and should replace it, if it is not added in addition to it
There are of course other interesting locations that can be added -
Palazzo Adriano, the main Arbersh center in Sicily,
Scicli in south Modica, and most notably
Monreale (the religious capital of Sicily), but there doesn't seem to be the space or as much need.
One location I'd love to see is
Lipari, representing the Aeolian Isles, but I know you avoid adding locations to islands that small (even if they're larger together). It would be good if you made sure Messina's name doesn't look so weird by stretching all over them, however.
Calabria
Most of the important cities are already included, but some of the locations have space for possible splits - though none are really particularly important
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1.
Squilace
The odd shape of Catanzaro allows a split here. Squilace was an old Byzantine fortress that had many famous feudal owners (including the Borgias, which held it as a Principality for almost 300 years). Also includes Sovereto. Squilace is known for its terra cotta, so I would give it Clay as the raw tradegood
2.
Bisiginano
Bisiginano would take the northern parts of Cosenza. It was a Free City and later an important lordship as well as a bishopric center, and latter another big Arbersh settlement. Would also help represent iron mining in the region
3.
Strongoli
A diocese center, Strongoli was both a royal city and later part of the domains of the powerful Ruffo family. Produces Wheat and Wine.
A:
Scalea over Laino Borgo
Scalea, an important commercial and maritime center in the Middle Ages, with over 5000 inhabitants during Angevin rule, seems far more important than Laino Borgo.
Other notable locations that can be added are splitting
Cariati from Rossano,
Trebisacce from Cassano or
Tropea from Monteleone, but there seems to be less space for those.
Grikos
One general surprising thing about Calabria, Sicily, and Apulia (and to a lesser degree Lucania and Cilento) is that
I would have expected to see more Griko pops? Most sources say they were still very numerous in the late Middle Ages, with Petrarch recommending traveling to Calabria to learn Greek in the 1360s, and a (likely exaggerated) 13th-century claim that in Calabria the peasants spoke nothing but Greek. In some parts of Salento and Calabria, they remained the majority util the 16th century, and Catholicization only really finished in the 15th and 16th centuries as well
Lucania
Perhaps the poorest region of Italy, there is not too much to add here, with only one location really being suggested due to the importance
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A:
Lauria over Lagonegro
Lauria was the center of an important lordship that covered much of the current Lagonegro location, and should probably give it its name, despite Lagonegro being the later administrative capital
1.
Venosa
Ancient city and important lordship, Venosa had 13 000 people in 1503, making it one of the largest cities in the region, with a large fortress.
2.
Pisticci/Camarda (modern Bernalda)
Also includes Metaponto, the site of the great ancient city of Metapontum, this location separates the non-coastal Matera from the coast and reduces the size of Montepeloso. Camarda was a significant Norman and Arafonese castle, though it was owned by the lords of nearby Montescaglioso (which I would add as a location instead, if it wasn't so close to Matera). The location could instead be named after Pisticci, another prominent fiefdom that was also a decently large city - 5000 inhabitants in the 17th century and later a canton center. Coastal Lucania primarily produces Fruit and Clay
3.
Viggiano
Not the most important city, but perhaps the best possible split for the large Potenza as it was a prosperous town. Viggiano was well known for its musical instrument making and oil in modern times - as neither is really a raw tradegood, its other products, Wine and Livestock, should be given instead
Lucania has many smaller centers that are difficult to distinguish in importance- T
ricarico/Grassano, Pisticci, and
Montescaglioso could all be locations, but the area simply doesn't warrant too much density
Apulia
Being a larger region, there are of course many more possible additions - and here, many important cities are missing, and it's not actually possible to add them all.
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1.
Otranto
Giving its name to the Strait of Otranto and Terra d'Otranto, this location splits the large Gallipoli and was an important strategic point, also being the only Italian city conquered by the Ottomans - and it was a large city, it had a population of 22 000 during the Ottoman siege. Otranto is well known for its horse breeding, making Horses the natural tradegood
2.
Nardo
One of the wealthiest cities in all of South Italy thanks to its Acquaviva dukes, having a university, and many other institutions. Important in Byzantine times too, Nardo is still today the second most important city in the province of Lecce/Salento. Also includes other prominent cities like Copertino and Galatina. Nardo is known for the Carparo stone (also mined in Gallipoli), so I would give it Stone, though Olives, Fruit, Wool and Wine are also produced.
3.
Ostuni
Prosperous city and port, one of the largest in Terra d'Otranto with 17 000 inhabitants, there should be space to fit it from Brindisi and Francavilla. Ostuni is well known for its Olives and Wine.
4.
Massafra/Castellaneta
Both were free cities (and at times important fiefs), which would separate the western parts of Martina Franca. The area grows Olives and Fruit (clementines in particular).
5.
Lizzano
Splitting off the southern parts of Taranto, Lizzano was the center of a Marquisate. The location also includes Casalnuovo (modern Manduria). Lizzano is famous for its Wine, while Manduria produces Olives and Carosello, a melon-like fruit eaten as a vegetable, in addition to its own well known Wine - making Wine the best choice for the location.
Taranto could also easily become its own province, especially if one or both of the above locations are added.
6.
Gravina (in Puglia)
Splitting the large and awkwardly shaped Altamura, Gravina is not as important as many cities I'm suggesting in Salento, but it was an important fief of the powerful Orsini family, with the title of a Duchy. Canosa di Puglia is also in this area. The region was well known for its Wheat production since the Middle Ages.
7.
Conversano
This requires making both it and Bari into small locations, but Conversano was a diocese center and an important county, that stretched all the way to Lecce and Nardo under the Normans, and later a fief of the Orsini and Acquaviva. Conversano is also well known for its Horses.
Bitonto and
Molfetta are also important, but very close to Bari, so it's impossible to fit them.
8.
Barletta/Trani
Andria is currently quite large, and represents the entire tri-city area of Andrea-Barletta-Trani, despite Barletta being its administrative capital. While Andria was more important early in the period, Barletta also had its peak under the Hohenstaufen and Angevin Kings, with Trani being quite important as well. Barletta and Trani were important ports for Wine, Fruit and Wheat. Ideally, both would be added, but that is significantly more challenging than fitting one.
Barletta
9.
Cerignola
The second largest city in Capitanata today, Cerignola is best known for the Battle of Cerignola, where Spain ensured their rule of Naples, and the first major battle won by gunpowder. It was an important town due to its strategic location on Via Trajana, but not very populated by Italian standards early on - with just about 1500 inhabitants during thr famous battle in 1503, though it reached 10000 by the end of the 18th century. Primarily a Wheat growing region, much like the rest of the Tavoliere (of which it is one of the 4 main centers of, the other 3 being already represented), though Olives and Wine are also grown
10.
Vieste
Last but certainly not the least, Manfredonia looks awful, and Vieste was a bishopric and one of the most important cities on the Gargano peninsula, with well over 7000 inhabitants in 1554 (when that many were enslaved when the Turks captured the city)
The location of Bovino includes Troia as well, and it might have been the slightly more important city for most of the period? Though they're pretty similar in importance, as they were both bishopric seats.
I love the population system because it means locations like Faeto (or Acquaviva Collecroce in Molise) don't need to exist as locations to represent their minorities!
Molise
Look it's Molise, I really don't have much to say here (though I would add Venafro, it falls under Campania here). It doesn't even get an image, its included under Abruzzo
A:
Agnone over Trivento?
There are cases for both here, as Trivento was a diocese center, but Agnone seems more relevant than Trivento, as one of the royal cities and a city that hoped to be the capital of Molise. Regardless of whether it's changed, Agnone had a notable Venetian population that impacted the culture of the city, so the location should have some Venetian culture pops
Abruzzo
Not as many additions here, and the most important one breaks the later district borders you used
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1.
Penne
This requires splitting the already small Citta San Angelo location, but Penne was an important city, a royal city and ducal and diocese center, as well as the capital of the large Vestina region. Vestina is mostly known for Olives and Wine
2.
Pescara
Chieti and Lanciano are both long thin locations with a coast, despite neither city being coastal. This allows for space to add a coastal location here if the later administrative borders are ignored, representing the port cities of Pescara and Ortona. Pescara is one of the most important cities of Abruzzo today, but it was significantly less important in the Middle Ages - though it did have a very important fortress under Spanish rule, as did Ortona. Fish seems like the most obvious tradegood here, even giving the name to Pescara
3.
Amatrice
Not a very important location, but Citta Ducale has very awkward borders, and this splits it along nicer lines. Amatrice was a reasonably important toan only annexed by Naples in the late 13th century (being previously independent and briefly owned by Norcia (see below), retaining significant independence and often warring with neighboring cities and having a mint and dominion over various nearby towns and villages. Wool seems like a good tradegood as shepherds are mentioned as important for its economy.
Other interesting cities include
Giulianova near Ascoli or
Celano (original capital of Marsica) and
Tagliacozzo (duchy center and one of the most important Jewish centers in the south) inland
Also, I hope that the black spot between Aquila and Avezzano is Lake Fucine and not impassable terrain- Fucine should definitely be on the map!
Campania
Across Naples and Sicily, you stuck pretty well to the K2S administrative map, with only further additions when locations were too large or some very important cities were missed. For some reason, that is not the case in Campania - the wealthiest and most populous region of the South thus has the largest locations, and cities of great importance are missing. This is why Campania receives by far the most additions out of any region here (only the huge Apulia is comparable)
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1.
Benevento
The most obvious addition, perhaps in all of Italy, Benevento was an exclave of the Papal States throughout the period, which can be represented with only minor exaggeration. Onetime duchy center and later an archbishopic, it had significant autonomy under Papal rule. Primarily produces Fruit and Wine
2.
Bisaccia
Far less important, but offers a good split for the Sant'Angelo dei Longobardi location. A diocese center and an old castle and fief. It is noted that Frederick II hunted here, so Wild Game seems like a good tradegood, though Wool and Livestock are also possible.
3.
Agropoli
Agropoli is one of the most important towns in Cilento, and during most of the Middle Ages (until 1443) it was a possession of the Bishops of Capaccio, sworn more to the Popes than to Naples. Produces Fruit, Fish, Grain and Livestock
Sapri or
Policastro Bussentino can also be added to split the location of Sala Consilina
4.
Sorrento (instead of
Castellamare)
A small location but an important one - Sorrento was the capital of the eponymous peninsula, and before Southern Italy was unified, of a duchy as well. Castellamare (modern Castellammare di Stabia) is the alternative name of the location, and it was the largest settlement for most of the period. Fruits (especially citrus fruits, nuts, and limoncello), Wine, and Olives are produced on the peninsula, though Sorrento itself is known for its crafts such as ceramics and lacework, making something like Clay a viable option.
5.
Amalfi
Onetime seat of the Duchy and Republic of Amalfi, it was one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean in the early Middle Ages, and would be an interesting tag for players to revive. In 1337, Amalfi is still a relevant city despite declining from its peak, though a tsunami in 1343 would almost completely destroy it, especially hurting it's port. This is a very small location, so I wouldn't suggest it if Amalfi wasn't so well known.
Amalfi is best known for producing paper, but as that is not a tradegood, Fiber Crops can be used, or one of the goods grown on Sorrento peninsula would fit - Fruit, Olives or Wine. Regardless, it should have a paper-producing building.
6.
Nola
Another administrative unit of K2S here subsumed into Caserta, which also makes that location looks far worse. Nola was important too, a diocese (the first one to introduce bells to Christianity!) and a powerful County under the Orsini. Fruit, Wheat or Olives fits as the tradegood
7.
Capua
Splitting up the actual Caserta administrative division to make nicer borders, Capua was an important city and previously the capital of an independent Principality. In the early 1500s, it had more than 6000 inhabitants. Since Roman times, Capua has been famous for spelt, a relative of Wheat. Much of the location belongs to the Aversa Wine region.
Aversa is also in this location and was an important county and city, which could also be its own location if there is enough space.
8.
Venafro
Splitting up the northern part of the large and oddly shaped Piedimonte, Venafro was for a long time a part of Campania, but was transferred to Molise in modern times. Venafro was also a bishopric center that developed well during the game's period - it was also not under the governance of Piedimonte until the 19th century. Mostly produces Olives, as it has for centuries
9.
Montecassino/Pontecorvo
Perhaps not the most important location, as it requires a more significant exaggeration of the real enclave borders to represent it than Benevento, but Montecassino and Pontecorvo formed a Papal States enclave quite close to its borders, and Montecassino was a very important abbey. It was well known for its pottery, so perhaps Clay fits as the tradegood
Sora could also be a vassal tag of Naples, given how long-lasting and autonomous the duchy was.
10.
Eboli
A massive fortress of the Principality of Salerno and later Naples, Eboli is the best split for Campagna. Built on marshy lands on an older Roman city, Legumes, Fruit and Livestock were the primary products
11.
Pozzuoli
The final K2S administrative division not represented, Pozzuoli was an incredibly importantant port during Roman times, and nearby Baiae and Cumae were important resort towns. Despite decline in the early Middle Ages and earthquakes and eruptions, it grew fast in the 16th and 17th centuries. The location can also represent the nearby island of Ischia, which was very wealthy and populous.The local economy was based on fishing agriculture and Alum mining, so I would definitely represent the Alum.
Ischia could also be a location of its own, and it would certainly warrant it, however I fear the island is too small for your current standards.
12.
Fondi
Seat of an independent duchy in early medieval times, seat of the powerful Caetani barons (and later an important possesion of the Colonna, Gonzaga and a principality) and a bishopric centre, Fondi prospered for much of the period before a late decline. Fondi had a notable Jewish community until their expulsion from the Kingdom of Naples. It's principal trade since at least the 16th century was dyeing cloth, so Dyes seem like the best possible tradegood.
Sessa Aurunuca or Teano could also be added to further split Sora
In general, speaking of Naples, is there some representation of its powerful nobility (especially the
Seven Great Families), as it has no vassal tags? More than most states, Naples was largely paralyzed from further Italian expansion simply by having to deal with them.
Corsica
Most of Corsica's important cities are represented, with the exception of its south, thus most of the additions are there and in the large Bastia location
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The main problem with Corsica is showing it as entirely under Genovese rule -
the lords of Cinarca (Vico location) resisted their conquest for a long time, often backed up by Aragon. Genoa often held little sway apart from a few cities (usually Calvi, Ajaccio and Bonifacio (see below)), and the Kingdom of Corsica was officially granted to the Aragonese by the Pope.
1.
Bonifacio
The southernmost city in Corsica, Bonifacio is an old fortress built to protect the island from attacks from Moors. Later, it was an important stronghold of Genoa, and is home to the island's most significant Ligurian community (they exist as well in Ajaccio and Calvi
2.
Porto Vecchio
With Bonifacio separated, it seems natural to not have Sartene go from coast to coast - so Porto Vecchio is also added. It is today the largest city in Southern Corsica. The city is known for its salt flats, so Salt is the natural tradegood.
Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio were also the heads of an administrative unit separate from Sartene
Bastia is also quite large, so I'd add one or both of the below locations:
3.
Saint Florent/Nebbio
The successor of the ancient city and bishopric of Nebbio, Saint Florent was founded by the Genovese to fortify the north of the island and was granted numerous privileges during their rule. A notable Wine growing region
4.
Biguglia
The successor of the city of Mariana, one of the most important cities of Roman Corsica (and it's religious center until 1570), Biguglia was briefly thr bishopric center and the capital of both Genovese and Aragonese Corsica, and the stronghold of the De Bagnaia family before that. It declined after Bastia was founded in the late 14th century. Fruit (especially oranges), Wine and Wool were all produced
Algajola was a Genovese administrative center, and the location would also include L'Ile Rousse, but it would likely make Calvi too small.
Piana would be an interesting location to add, representing the northern inland areas under the rule of the lords of Cinarca, however most of it is currently wasteland
Sardinia
Sardinia has very nice density already, so I don't have too many additions to make, but some of my suggestions are rather important, as is a fix to current locations
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1. Porto Torres
This would make both it and Sassari prerrt small, but it is necessary for correct borders - as it was owned by Genoa and not Aragon in 1337 (it only fell to Aragon in the early 15th century). An old and important city, it gave its name to the Giudicato of Torres, which covers the northwestern part of the island.
A:
Iglesias over Carbonia, Xedri de Leni (Villacidro) over Iglesias
Carbonia is a fake city built by Mussolini, so Iglesias is shifted south to take its location, while the current Iglesias becomes Xedri de Leni, representing the Cixerri curatoria (which we can see on several maps have different ownership than nearby locations, such as being Pisan whole Sulcis/Iglesias was owned by the Della Gherardesca
Speaking of Iglesias, the
new Iglesias location should produce Silver, as it was one of the most important mines in Europe
2.
Padulis de Nura (modern Pula)
Covering the eastern half of Carbonia/Iglesias, the curatorias of Nora and Decimo, and the ancient Roman city of Nora, this city especially developed when its marshes were drained in the 17th and 18th centuries. Olives and Fruit are the main tradegoods produced
3.
Jerzu/Lanusei
Eastern Sardinia is somewhat less dense than the West, so I added a location for the inland Ogliastra. Jerzu was the actual capital of Ogliastra (before being succeeded by Lanusei, another city in this location), so it seems like a pretty natural inclusion. Jerzu is famous for the Cannonau di Jerzu Wine, so that's the natural tradegood, though Olives are also produced.
4.
Ghilarza
Sorgono could see a split, and Ghilarza was the capital of the Guilcer region within Oristano. Not the most important addition, but it does allow the representation of their famous stonecutters with a Stone tradegood (though Wheat and Livestock were also produced)
Mandas is also a notable settlement in the same location as Isili, probably the more important town early on, but there are arguments for representing either of them.
Umbria
Umbria is done quite well, though several of its most important cities are missing too. The issue with Umbria is that it's shown under Papal rule, which was very much not the case in 1337-
almost all of its cities were functionally independent during thr Avignon Papacy until Cardinal Albornoz's campaigns in the 1350s, with some resisting or staying autonomous until far later
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1.
Foligno
A large city and a powerful lordship under the Trinci since 1305, Foligno controlled most of the nearby cities, including Assisi, and completely flaunted Papal authority until 1439. If Foligno isn't added, I would simply replace Assisi with it, given its much greater importance. Foligno was a rich city, with wood, paper, yarn, ceramics, silver, and gold all worked.
2.
Terni
Another very important city (and a province capital today), Terni was highly autonomous, issuing it's own constitution in the 14th century and being fully incorporated into Papal territory only in 1564. Terni had 6000-7000 people in the beginning of 15th century, more than Narni and Spoleto. Terni has been a center of ironworking for centuries, being one of Italy's first industrial cities, stemming from nearby Iron mines, making Iron the obvious tradegood, though there were also Copper mines
3.
Norcia
Less important than the previous two (but also splitting the larger Spoleto), but Norcia was also an important city, and the home to the Benedictine order and an independent city until 1354. Norcia is especially known for its wild boar hunting and specialties, making Wild Game a good tradegood, though domestic swine were grown too, so Livestock is also an option.
As mentioned above, other
Umbrian cities should also be independent- Spoleto until 1354, Todi (which in 1290 had 40000 people and was the largest Umbrian city) until 1367, Narni until the early 15th century and Rieti until 1354 (though it remained highly autonomous)
Narni was named Narnia in this period- while the spelling of Narni appeared in the 13th century already, it only became the official name after the French Revolution. This is in fact what inspired C.S Lewis to name his Narnia!
Magione on Lake Trasimene would also be possible good addition from Perugia and Marsciano, as an important fortified abbey. Speaking of Lake Trasimene, it really should be added to the map.
Lazio
With Rome sucking up so much wealth and attention, the rest of Lazio had less large cities, and most of them are well represented- but there are a few interesting locations that can be added
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1.
Castro/Toscanella
Castro was home to a powerful Farnese duchy that was de facto independent in the 16th and 17th centuries, ruled in personal union with their Parman holdings. The city was destroyed during the 17th century Castro wars, and it's ancient diocese moved elsewhere. The most important city in the location for the rest of the period was Toscanella (modern Tuscania). There certainly seems to be space for the location, given how far inland Corneto goes currently. Toscanella long paid a grain tribute to Rome, so Wheat seems like the best tradegood.
2.
Nepi
A seat of a duchy in the early middle ages and later a free municipality and a Borgia castle (under whom it was a duchy again), as well as a feud of other notable Roman families - including the Farnese, with the Duchy of Castro being known as the Duchy of Castro and Nepi as well. The location also includes Civita Castelanna, another important commune and later road hub. Nepi is famed for its mineral springs and as the origin of catnip, so Medicaments seem fitting as the tradegood. Nepi milk is also well known, so Livestock is also a possible tradegood.
3.
Nettuno
The successor of Roman Antium, Nettuno was an important castle and fief of the Colonna family (being one of their centers of power, alongside Palestrina). Today the biggest city in this area is Anzio, founded by the Popes on lands purchased from Nettuno. Nettuno is known for the Cacchione Wine, produced since Roman times
There are many small lakes in the region, and adding them would really make the geography more interesting-
Lake Bolsena and
Lake Bracciano primarily, with
Lake Vico also perhaps being large enough to add.
A:
Poggio Mirteto/Monterotondo over Sabina
Sabina is the name of the region, I would rename the location after one of its two centers - Poggio Mirteto or Monterotondo (or split the location between the two)
B:
Alatri/Anagni
I am not sure what location this currently is? Regardless, for most of the period (before the rise of Frosinone), Alatri and Anagni were the two most important cities, so I would choose one of them (with both of them being difficult to fit)
Velletri and Viterbo, as well as Alatri/Anagni, should at least also be separate tags in 1337, though Velletri should be sworn to the Pope. Viterbo was ruled by the powerful di Vico family, and in 1338 it's loyal ruler Faziolo was deposed and murdered by his brother Giovanni di Vico, who spent the next 30 years being a thorn in the side of the Popes and running much of Lazio.
Marche
I really don't envy you here, Marche is a difficult region to represent, with so many independent lordships of similar importance. I think you did a great job already, so I only have a few additions to make
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1.
Recanati
Important city just south of Ancona (mostly taking from the larger Fermo), Recanati was an independent republic built on several Roman cities, as well as a bishopric ("stolen" from nearby Osimo) which enjoyed a long period of prosperity, with its own mint and constitution and jewelry industry.
Osimo could also be a location of its own, but there probably isn't space for it.
2.
Tolentino
Camerino is much larger than nearby locations, and it's Da Varano lordship more powerful than most, so I thought the additional location was warranted - especially as Tolentino was a diocese and at times an independent lordship as well. The city had prosperous tanneries, textile manufacturies and mills and a copper processing industry.
3.
Iesi
Another one of the most important cities in the region ( a rival to Ancona), an independent commune and diocese, a royal city of the HRE and the main center of Sforza power in Marche. Famous for its Wine and various Livestock products.
4.
Cagli/Fossombrone
Pesaro expands awkwardly inland when the main lordship was very coastal. This area was contested between the lords of Pesaro and Urbino (until those two united), with periods of independence as well. The two most important cities in this area were Fossombrone and Cagli. Fossombrone, ruled by the Malatesta of Pesaro in this period (who succeeded the Este of Ferrara), would flourish once it was sold to the Montefeltro of Urbino. Cagli was an independent commune and diocese with 7200 inhabitants in 1312. Wool and Silk were grown in both Cagli and Fossombrone.
Depending on the sizes,
both Cagli and Fossombrone could possibly be represented.
Montefeltro is the name of a region, not city. The best possible name is probably
Mercantino Marecchia (modern Novafeltria), the biggest town and trading center of the region
I would also really love to represent
Senigalia and/or
Fano between Pesaro and Ancona, but there really isn't space- and I guess representing the main 3 cities of the Pentapolis should be enough
San Severino would also be another location that would be great to fit, as an independent commune, but I don't see a good way for it
Emilia-Romagna
Already very well done for such a complex region, but it does contain two of the most notable omissions in all of Italy, in Forli and Massa/Carrara
View attachment 1161317
1.
Forli
One of the most obvious omissions in all of Italy (alongside Benevento and Savona), especially with how much larger Cesena is than nearby locations. Forli was the de facto capital of Romagna and a powerful lordship under various families, most notably the Ordelaffi and later Caterina Sforza and Cesare Borgia. Grain and Silk are the primary products, I would obviously prioritize Silk.
2.
Carpegna
Splitting off the southern inland parts of Cesena, Carpegna was an important feudal lordship and later principality that played the Malatesta and Montefeltro against each other to survive. This is also the area where San Marino is located, and given its small size and lack of political involvement in the period, representing Carpegna instead seems like a good compromise to me. The Principality produced gunpowder and traded in salt, so perhaps Saltpeter is a good tradegood here?
Cervia would be a nice location to fit in Romagna too, disputed between Cesena and Ravenna and a major salt producer, if space can be found for it.
3.
Adria
Further representing the Polesine region and ensuring it has correct borders, Adria has for centuries been the second most important city if the region, a diocese and its main port - and was even more important in Roman times. Fish and Salt seem appropriate as tradegoods
4.
Cento
Further splitting the long Ferrara location, Cento was notable for the Partecipanza Agraria, where land was continuously redistributed in each generation between its original founding families. A Wheat growing region, but Fruit and Livestock were also produced
The area of the small lordships north of the Este lands is a mess, and I'm glad to see so many locations representing it - though I might choose slightly different ones
A:
Carpi over Nonantola/Corregio over Mirandola?
I could see the arguments for both Carpi and Nonantola - the first as a Principality and larger city later in the period, and the second as an important medieval center and powerful abbey, and the same goes for Corregio being picked over Mirandola, both independent principalities
B:
Pavullo nel Frignano over Frassinoro
I can't read the name of the location south of Modena - is it Frassinoro? In that case, Pavullo nel Frignano seems like the far more fitting location, as a more important town and fortress
Lunigiana was one of the most politically complex regions of Italy, so I was disappointed to see you representing it with a single location and missing its two most important cities - I try to rectify that
5.
Massa-Carrara
This also seems like a major omission - Massa and Carrara were both important cities, and though separate at times, they were very close and united often enough to be one location. They're certainly the most important cities in Lunigiana. The tradegood should obviously be Marble, for the famous Carrara quarries
6.
Fosdinovo
As you chose to represent Fivizzano, I am adding the other important lordship of inland Lunigiana, the Marquisate of Fossinovo, held by the Malaspina for much of its history, who succeeded the Bishops of Luni. Olives and Fruit are the primary products, alongside Honey (if introduced)
Ideally, a fourth location would be added for
Pontremoli, but that seems like an overkill.
Tuscany
Already very dense, but there are a few notable omissions, especially among my first suggestions here.
View attachment 1161318
1.
Orbetello
Very obvious addition, representing the Stato Dei Presidi (including other towns such as Porto Ercole and Ansedonia), later a longstanding exclave of Naples/Spain. Wool seems like a good tradegood, as it's mentioned that there were many shepherds in the area
2.
Elba
Another obvious one, Elba is certainly large enough and has history slightly different from the rest of Piombino, and was of course home to the very short lived Empire. The tradegood should of course be Iron, given its famous mines.
Scarliano could be separated from Piombino as well, but that seems far less necessary given the location sizes
3.
Castiglione
Just south of Scarliano, Castiglione (della Pescaia) does seem like an interesting location to add however, as it was a more important town and at times an exclave of Naples/Aragon, after Pisan rule and being an independent commune - in 1337 it would still be owned by Pisa, unlike the rest of the current Grosseto location. Fish seems like a fitting tradegood
Note on Grosseto - it had long fought for independence from Siena, being last conquered in 1328 and trying another revolt in 1355. It should absolutely h
ave a revolter tag and be unhappy under the Sienese rule
4.
Murlo
Another possible addition within Siena, Murlo was owned by the Archbishops of Siena and had significant autonomy from the republic, being basically a vassal fief of their own. Wool, Wine, Olives, and Wild Game are all options for the tradegood
5.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano and Colle di Val'Elsa were small independent lordships just to the northeast of Volterra, they were separate states and eventually separate administrative units under Florentine rule (after 1349) so I believe they warrant inclusion. San Gimignano seems like the more important one of the two, so it would be my choice for the location and tag. San Gimignano is especially famous for its Saffron, so Spices are the obvious tradegood, though Wine and Livestock are also possible. Colle is well known for its crystal glass industry.
6.
Bibienna
Borgo San Lorenzo is quite large compared to most nearby locations, so I would split it up by adding Bibbiena, an important castle and walled town. The location also includes Poppi, another important walled town. Both are centers of the Casentino Valley, primarily known for its Cloth production, but sheep herding and chestnut and apple growing were also common, so I would give it Wool or Fruit as the tradegood
I would really love to add
Montepulciano, for its famous wines and communal independence, but it seems too small to fit
7.
Capalbio
As Sovana is still quite large even with Orbetello added (and the historical lordship of Sovana and Pitigliano was often smaller and landlocked), Capalbio is another good location to add, disputed between the Aldobrandeschi of Sovana, Siena, Florence/Tuscany and Spain. The town produced cloth, but Fish seems most fitting as a raw tradegood
Santa Fiora is also in this region, but is represented well enough by Sovana
A:
Vernio over Mangona? Or owning it?
Vernio was an independent lordship that survived between Tuscany and the Este lands, and while Mangona seems like the more important settlement, it was owned by the Bardi lords of Vernio since 1322 (until 1341 when Florence seized it, but the rest of Vernio remained independent until 1814)
Liguria
Liguria is another very difficult region, as there are so many important cities and independent lordships on this narrow stretch of coast, but I wanted to add the two most important ones
View attachment 1161319
1.
Savona (+Noli)
One of the most important cities left out of your map, Savona is one of the three most important cities of Liguria, and was for centuries an independent republic and local rival to Genoa until it was conquered in 1528. A province center today. Also includes Noli, a small republic that lasted far longer. Wine would be a good tradegood
2.
Oneglia (also including Dolceacqua)
Might be more difficult to fit due to size of Ventimiglia and Albenga, but Oneglia and Dolceacqua were important possessions of the famous Doria family and their centers of power. Eventually Oneglia was acquired by Savoy, being their enclave within Liguria. Both are very well known for their Olives (Imperia, a province center and the successor to Oneglia, even has a museum dedicated to them)
Chiavari or
Rapallo are possible additions between Genoa and Lavagna, but I don't see a particular need for them as they were also Fieschi lordships.
Torriglia would be useful inland, as it was a fief of most of the important Genovese families through history, but I'm not sure there is space for it. Splitting up
La Spezia and Sarzana would also be possible, but space is again the issue.
I mentioned it primarily as a part of the France feedback, but I will repeat my suggestion to add
Tende, as a location and very interesting playable tag under the Lascaris dynasty.
Piemont
Incredibly complex region, outside of a few obvious suggestions I'm honestly also struggling to think of how I would draw it
View attachment 1161326
First,
Cuneo should not belong to Saluzzo in 1337, but to Provence, as one of the main Angevin possessions in Piedimont. Provencal rule lasted from 1259 to 1382, with the exception of 1281-1305 and briefly in 1356 (under Saluzzo), 1347-48 (first time under Savoy), and 1348-1356 and 1366-1372 (under Visconti of Milan). From this, in 1337 it should solidly be under Provence
1.
Casteldelfino
With Cuneo's odd shape as a location, I added Casteldelfino, a key fort that guarded Alpine passes of the Varaita Valley. Casteldelfino was disputed between Saluzzo and Dauphine, being owned by the later between 1330 and 1349 (when it became a part of the autonomous republic of the Escartons under French protection). Fruit and Livestock are the most important local tradegoods
2.
Acqui Terme
There is space from Alessandria and Incisa to make an addition here, and Acqui is the obvious one, as an important city and formerly an independent bishopric, annexed to Montferrat in 1278, which would also allow it to represent the southern possesions of the powerful Marquisate in 1337. A notable Jewish community is mentioned. Acqui Terme is best known for its Wine.
3.
Clavesana
Another of the independent Marquisates in southern Piedmont - it also allows for Savoy to be contiguous after acquiring Clavesana and while Montferrat owns Alba. The area produces Wine, Fruit and Wheat
4.
Chivasso
Further buffing Montferrat by splitting off the western parts of the eponymous location, Chivasso was another important city one of the most important in Montferrat, as it housed it's mint underat the Aleramici and was its capital under the Paleologos dynasty. Fruit fits, to represent the notable local hazelnut production.
Two of the most important cities in northern Piedmont are missing, and Vercelli is quite large, so I added Ivrea and Vercelli
5.
Ivrea
Capital of the ancient March of Ivrea, and later a free commune disputed between its bishops, Montferrat and Savoy (finally falling to the last in 1356). Had a notable Jewish community. Much like Biella, Wool and Silk were the primary products.
6.
Biella
Sworn to the bishops of Vercelli (and through them, to Milan in 1337), Biella rose in importance through the period (and is a province capital today). Wool is the most famous industry in the region, though Silk also become important later.
7.
Masserano
A powerful county (and later marquisate and principality) of the Fieschi family, more connected to the Papal State rather than Milan or Savoy, though this state only came to exist in 1394. It also includes the marquisate of Crevacuore. It splits the somewhat large Novara location too. Wool fits as a tradegood here as well
Of course, other lordships like
Savigliano, Cherasco and
Fossano exist in the south, while
Orta San Giulio existed northwest of Arona, but those would all be difficult to fit
Finally, a common problem in northern Italy is naming locations after the valleys rather than the cities or towns that were their capitals - I will simply suggest the best possible name
Borgosessia over Valsesia
Domodossola over Val 'd Ossola
Cirie over Val di Lanzo
Veneto
Very dense and well done already, but I have some suggestions of course
View attachment 1161322
1.
Cittadella
With Castelfranco being added on the Treviso side of the border, it seems natural to add Cittadella to Padua, it's counter fortress in the times of conflict between the two greater communes. Cittadella remained prominent under Venetian rule, where it retained autonomy from Padua and was a prominent market center for a large rural area - though it was less privileged than Castelfranco. Grain makes sense as a tradegood
2.
Mestre
Representing the peninsular side of the Venetian lagoon, Mestre spent this period deeply connected to Venice - they would in fact conquer it very shortly after the game start, in September 1337 and since then it has basically served as it's suburb and defense. Even under the rule of Treviso and Verona it was a prominent fortress however. Salt makes the most sense as the tradegood due to it being on the Lagoon
3.
Asiago/ Seven Communes
Now this would require removing (or greatly reducing) the size of a wasteland. I believe it's worth it, as Asiago was the capital of the Seven Communes (Siben Komoin), the center of Cimbrian culture, a small Germanic culture spread across Northern Veneto and Trento and which should be added to the game, as they're attested since at least the 14th century (and are likely much older). The communes had significant autonomy since 1310, first under Verona and later Milan and Venice and could be represented as a vassal tag. Livestock is the best tradegood as the area is known for Asiago cheese
Cadore should be named after its capital,
Pieve di Cadore, and can be split to follow historical borders:
4.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Splitting off from Cadore, improving the awkward borders of the location and representing the part of Cadore that was a part of Austria for much of the period. Alongside Val di Fassa and Val di Non, it's the center of Ladin culture and language, another small culture to be added to the region. Lumber cutting and Iron mining are the main tradegoods produced
Cadore/
Pieve di Cadore and Cortina d'Ampezzo should belong to Aquilea rather than Verona at this point, or they should be in rebellion, as the last da Camino lord of Cadore died fighting against the Patriarchs in 1335, but his daughters were still leading a rebellion until 1347
5.
Soave
Splitting up Verona and giving it nicer borders, Soave was an important and massive castle under the Scaglieri. Soave is well known for the Soave white wine, so that is the natural tradegood
There are other notable locations here as well, such as
Cologna Veneta, a city directly sworn to Venice rather than nearby cities in the later period (but its very small), or
Velo Veronese, representing Lessinia, the western part of the Cimbrians, but with the minority system, you could simply add some Cimbrians to the Soave location instead
Ceneda had very powerful prince-bishops, perhaps it
should be a vassal tag?
Friuli
Friuli has some locations noticeably larger than Veneto, and many important towns and cities missing, so there are quite a few additions here.
View attachment 1161324
1.
Portogruaro (Pordenone location to Austria)
Pordenone should be a small location to represent it's enclave lordship of the House of Habsburg. As Pordenone goes to Austria, the larger, southern half of the location becomes Portogruaro (along with a little bit of Venice, to make the notable port coastal). Portogruaro remained autonomous and wealthy under early Venetian rule later as well. Fish fits as a tradegood, but Portogruaro is known for having one of the oldest still operating industries in the world, a boat yard founded in 1438.
2.
Latisana
Udine is a huge location, so it's southern half is split as Latisana. Latisana was an important river port, especially noted for its Salt trade, with significant autonomy under Aquilea. As mentioned, Salt would be the best tradegood.
3.
Monfalcone
I redrew Aquilea to better match the later Austrian borders in the region - this allows for a small new location for the Venetian enclave surrounded by Austria. This location includes the cities of Grado and Monfalcone, with Monfalcone being the more important one - Grado was just a village despite being the center of a Patriarchate in name, as the Patriarchs lived in Venice since the 11th century and Monfalcone was an imposing fortress. Salt or Sand make the most sense as the tradegood.
As usual with regional names, Carnia should be named
Tolmezzo, and its size allows for a split to its east:
4.
Moggio/Tarvisio
Tarvisio is the capital of the Val Canale, and it is the tripoint where Germanic, Latin and Slavic Europe meet, being mostly Slovene in the Middle Ages. Nearby Moggio (Udinese) was a powerful abbey. The region has numerous Iron mines
5.
Idrija
Splitting up Tolmin into more nicely shaped locations, Idrija is best known for its Mercury mine, one of the oldest and largest in the world
6.
Duino
Just to the north of Trieste, Duino was the seat of the powerful Lords of Duino, which also held territories in Slovenia. After the lordship was absorbed by the Habsburg, the castle served as a favourite retreat for them, especially for hunting, so Wild Game would be a good tradegood.
Forni di Sopra would also he an interesting location to add due to its powerful Savorgnan nobles, but there really is no space due to the wasteland to the west of Spillimbergo.
Lombardy
Another very dense region, I do not have many additions to make here
View attachment 1161321
1.
Crema
One of the more important additions, Crema was an important city and an exclave of Venice for most of the period. Milan had just conquered it in 1335, but it regained independence between 1403 and 1423 and became Venetian in 1449, staying so until it's fall in 1799. Venetian rule made it wealthy and safe from the decline of the rest of Lombardy, and the city's industries, mostly based around Wool, prospered
2. Codogno
Added as space was available between Lodi and Cremona, Codogno was an important fortified town owned by the bishops of Lodi and a rich commercial center, with over 8000 inhabitants in the 16th century. The city is known for its quinces and apples, making Fruit the natural tradegood, thought Livestock products were also exported.
3.
Vigevano
Lomello is quite large, and Vigevano, the actual capital of Lomellina in the period, is not represented, making this an obvious addition, the most important in Lombardy alongside Crema. As with the rest of Lomellina, Rice was the main product.
If Vigevano is not added as a new location, I would simply replace Lomello with it
4.
Gravedona
Splitting the awkwardly shaped Como location, the towns of Gravedona (as the capital), Songo and Sorico formed the Tre Pievi Republic, which had significant autonomy under Como and Mikan until the 16th century. The region was also briefly a part of the Swiss Confederation, unlike the rest of the Como location. Even here in the mountains, Wine is a good choice for the tradegood.
5.
Morbegno
Splitting the large Sondrio (yes, I know the current locations in Valtellina match it's 3 historical divisions, but Sondrio is far larger than Chiavenna and Bormio. Morbegno is the best possible split, as the second most important city in the location (though Tirano is also a possibility). Copper processing and silk growing were the main two industries in the town
As with other non-city names,
Lumezzane should replace Val Sabbia,
Breno should replace Val Camonica and
Clusone should replace Vall'Alta.
Not labeled here, but perhaps
Martinengo should replace Cortenuova? Cortenuova saw a big Guelph-Ghibelline battle in 1237, but otherwise Martinengo seems like the more important city?
Ostiglia should be owned by Verona in 1337- the Scaglieri took it in 1308, and held it for far longer than most Veronese conquests - until 1381. The Gonzaga of Mantova only took it in 1391
Tyrol/Trento
Not sure whether this counts as Italy or the HRE, but I am making some suggestions here first
View attachment 1161320
1.
Borgo Valsugana
Almost the whole Valsugana, a part of Tyrol and Austria, is here impassable terrain despite being an important historical route. I changed that by adding a connection between Bolzano and Belluno. Valsugana was disputed between Tyrol and the cities of Veneto, and it was a key Iron mining region.
2.
Salorno
Splitting the jutting out southern parts od Bolzano and separating it and Trent, Salorno is the most Italian part of Sudtirol. It was the location of the powerful Haderburg castle, especially important in the Middle Ages.
3.
Tione (modern Tione di Trento)
Simply adding an important town in the area, to match the Riva location with its more historical extent of influence and representing the autonomousGiudicarie region of western Trento. Tione is noted for its candles, in case Honey/Apiculture is ever added
The Prince-Bishopric of
Brixen should be independent of Austria, and should own the town of Bruneck, though not most of its current location- a redraw will be suggested in the HRE thread.
Finally,
Schlanders/Silandro should be used over Val Venosta
Istria
Not a part of Italy today, but certainly historically, and there are only two new locations.
View attachment 1161323
1.
Capodistria (Koper)
Another one of the most obvious omissions in all of Italy, as the name implies it was the capital of Venetian Istria, before it being Aquilean until 1278. Koper had ~10 000 to 12 000 inhabitants in the 16th century at its peak, and was the chief port of the region until Trieste developed in the 18th century. Also allows for approximation of the modern borders and Slovene sea access. The area had many salt flats, so Salt is the natural tradegood.
2.
Albona (Labin)
Currently awkwardly part of Pazin when it shouldn't be for most of the period- Labin was an independent city state republic before the dukes of Pazin acquired it in 1295, after which it passed to Aquilea in 1381 and with it to Venice in 1420, remaining Venetian until the republic fell. Labin has the largest Coal mines in Croatia, exploited early as well, so that should definitely be represented.
Again, apologies for dropping this so late - I hope there is still time for this to be considered for the Italy feedback
@Pavía ?
