The Apulian Tableland: geography, borders, and historical role
Table of Contents
1. Definition of Tavoliere delle Puglie 2. Geographical Location and Natural Boundaries 3. Morphological Characteristics of the Territory 4. Climate and Historical Land Use 5. Essential Historical Notes 6. Internal Subdivisions and Main Centers 7. Final Summary1. Definition of Tavoliere delle Puglie
The Tavoliere delle Puglie is a vast plain located in Southern Italy, belonging to the geographical region of Puglia. It constitutes the main flat area of northern Puglia and is one of the most extensive plains on the Italian peninsula. From a geomorphological point of view, the Tavoliere is a plain of alluvial and marine origin, formed by sediments deposited over long geological periods.
2. Geographical Location and Natural Boundaries
The Tavoliere delle Puglie occupies a large part of the province of Foggia. To the north and east, it is delimited by the Gargano promontory, which rises sharply above the surrounding plain. To the west, the natural boundary is represented by the Daunian Apennine reliefs, while to the south, the Tavoliere gradually slopes towards the northern Murge plateau. To the northeast, the plain faces the Adriatic Sea, along a predominantly low and sandy coastline.
3. Morphological Characteristics of the Territory
The Tavoliere territory is characterized by largely flat surfaces, with slight undulations and limited altimetric variations. Elevations generally remain low, with values close to sea level along the coastal strip and a gradual increase towards the western hinterland. The hydrographic network consists mainly of torrential watercourses, subject to strong seasonal variations, including the Candelaro, Cervaro, and Carapelle rivers.
Tavoliere delle Puglie and Daunian Mountains
4. Climate and Historical Land Use
The climate of the Tavoliere delle Puglie is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and generally mild winters, with rainfall concentrated in the autumn and winter months. The climatic characteristics and the nature of the soils, predominantly clayey and silty, have influenced the historical use of the territory, favoring extensive agriculture. In various historical periods, the area was also used for seasonal grazing, in relation to transhumant animal husbandry practices.
5. Essential Historical Notes
The first traces of human settlement in the Tavoliere date back to prehistory, as evidenced by the presence of Neolithic villages. In ancient times, the territory was inhabited by Italic populations, including the Daunians, and subsequently integrated into the Roman administrative organization. During the Middle Ages, the Tavoliere took on a significant role as a transit and grazing area for transhumance, systematically regulated starting from the Aragonese era. In modern times, land reforms and reclamation efforts progressively altered the layout of the territory and the distribution of rural settlements.
6. Internal Subdivisions and Main Centers
The Tavoliere delle Puglie can be divided into different areas based on geographical and administrative criteria, distinguishing a coastal strip, a central plain area, and a western sector transitioning towards the Apennine reliefs. Among the main urban centers located within the plain are Foggia, Cerignola, Manfredonia, and San Severo, which developed in relation to the agricultural, commercial, and administrative functions of the territory.
7. Final Summary
The Tavoliere delle Puglie is a vast plain in Southern Italy, defined by well-demarcated natural boundaries and uniform morphological characteristics. Environmental conditions have influenced land use and human settlement patterns over time, leading to a historical evolution linked to agricultural and pastoral activities and the territorial organization processes of northern Puglia.