Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical region of southern Italy: Lucania is the ancient name for a region corresponding roughly to the modern Italian region of Basilicata, forming the instep of the Italian peninsula's geographical "boot."

Usage

• Lucania is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this historical and geographical area.
• It is primarily used in historical, geographical, or cultural contexts.

Examples

• Historical Context: "In ancient times, Lucania was inhabited by the Lucani, an Oscan-speaking people."
• Geographical Description: "The rugged terrain of Lucania forms the arch of the Italian boot."
• Cultural Reference: "The traditional folk music of Lucania has distinct characteristics."

Advanced Usage

• The term is often encountered in classical history texts discussing the Roman conquest of Italy or the Pyrrhic War.
• In modern usage, "Basilicata" is the administrative name, while "Lucania" may be used for its historical or poetic connotations.

Variants and Related Words

• Lucanian (adjective): Of or relating to Lucania.
  • Example: "Lucanian pottery from the 4th century BC is highly valued by archaeologists."
• Basilicata (proper noun): The modern administrative region of Italy that corresponds to ancient Lucania.

Synonyms

• Basilicata (in its modern context)

Notes

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this proper noun, as it is a geographical name.

Noun

1. a region of southern Italy (forming the instep of the Italian `boot')