IL PROFILO GEO-STORICO-DEMOGRAFICO DI CAMPOBASSO E LA «SECONDARIETÀ» DEL MOLISE

Abstract

The paper reconstructs the demographic profile of Campobasso, from the middle ages to today, in order both to contribute to the systematic analysis of a little known city and to identify the long-lasting demographic processes in a context, such as that of Molise, which is still evasive owing to its limited role in Southern Italy. After having explained the sources used and having discussed the critical aspects, the main phases of constitution/organization of the demographic profile of Campobasso and its variations/fluctuations are highlighted extending the scale within the region. Such fluctuations seem to explain sufficiently the difficulties of the town in establishing itself as the centre of the reference area and, at the same time, in the minor demographic role of Molise. The emerging profile highlights a discontinuous layout which is coherent with the range of action of the micro-regional urban function of Campobasso.