How Medieval Lessons for Managing Floods Could Help Those Facing Them

How medieval lessons for managing floods could help those facing them

Northern Italy has been hit by a series of devastating floods in recent years. In March 2025 and the previous autumn, heavy rainfall hammered the region, swamping fields, farms and towns. More than 3,000 had to leave their homes in Emilia-Romagna, between Bologna and Ravenna.

How medieval lessons for managing floods could help those facing them in northern Italy today

Saint Fredianus diverts the Serchio River by Filippo Lippi, 1438 WikiartNorthern Italy has been hit by a series of devastating floods in recent years. In March 2025 and the previous autumn, heavy rainfall hammered the region, swamping fields, farms and towns. More than 3,000 had to leave their homes in Emilia-Romagna, between Bologna and Ravenna. The downpours caused widespread floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage. This has been a repea…