Maremma

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Cécina. In Roman times the fertile land of the Maremma was distributed to veterans of the legions; but after the collapse of Roman power the drainage system fell into decay, the land reverted to marsh and malaria became rife. The inhabitants fled from the fever-ridden marshland to the hills, where new centers of spiritual and secular authority were established. During the Middle Ages various religious houses sought to restore the drainage system; but their success was short- lived, since the area was frequently raided and plundered by the Saracens. From this period date the many ruined watch-towers and defensive works to be seen in the Maremma. The Maremma was not finally drained until the years between 1930 and 1960; and only then was malaria finally eradicated. This meant, of course, a radical change in the pattern of vegetation and animal life, and the buffaloes and half-wild horses formerly so numerous in this area have now almost completely disappeared.