
Maria-Anita Ronchini
Italian researcher and writer Maria Anita holds an MA in History with a focus in Jewish Studies from LMU Munich and a BA in History from the University of Bologna.
Articles by Maria-Anita Ronchini

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the desire to expand and control the spice trade was one of the driving forces behind the Age of Exploration.

Between 1492 and 1504, Christopher Columbus made four voyages to what he believed to be the East. Instead, he “discovered” a new continent: America.
Between 1492 and 1504, Christopher Columbus made four voyages to what he believed to be the East. Instead, he “discovered” a new continent: America.

Italian poet Francesco Petrarch became one of the most influential humanist scholars of the 14th century, paving the way to the Renaissance.
Italian poet Francesco Petrarch became one of the most influential humanist scholars of the 14th century, paving the way to the Renaissance.

Saint Catherine of Siena was one of the most influential Catholic mystics in the 14th century. Here are 9 facts you need to know about her.
Saint Catherine of Siena was one of the most influential Catholic mystics in the 14th century. Here are 9 facts you need to know about her.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was the Roman Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation. It is commonly regarded as the beginning of the Counter-Reformation.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was the Roman Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation. It is commonly regarded as the beginning of the Counter-Reformation.

In June 1924, Giacomo Matteotti, a prominent opponent of fascism, was kidnapped and murdered by a group of fascists in Rome.

The Pazzi Conspiracy was a failed coup organized by the Pazzi family to overthrow Medici rule in 15th-century Florence.
The Pazzi Conspiracy was a failed coup organized by the Pazzi family to overthrow Medici rule in 15th-century Florence.

In the first half of the 16th century, the powerful Medici family secured its hold on Rome with two popes: Leo X and Clement VII.

In 1830, a second French Revolution, also known as the July Days, overthrew King Charles X and saw the rise of the French bourgeoisie.
In 1830, a second French Revolution, also known as the July Days, overthrew King Charles X and saw the rise of the French bourgeoisie.

In the US, Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery after the Civil War. In 2021, it became a federal holiday.

In the 1790s, the Sans-culottes became one of the leading forces of the French Revolution.
In the 1790s, the Sans-culottes became one of the leading forces of the French Revolution.

In the mid-19th century, Giuseppe Verdi’s operas became the soundtrack for the Risorgimento, the Italian movement for unity and independence.
In the mid-19th century, Giuseppe Verdi’s operas became the soundtrack for the Risorgimento, the Italian movement for unity and independence.