Apennines

/ˈæpənaɪnz/ noun

Definition

A major mountain range that runs through Italy, extending from the northwest to the southeast of the Italian peninsula, and forming the backbone of the country.

Etymology

From Latin 'Apenninus' (of uncertain origin, possibly from Celtic languages or pre-Indo-European roots). The mountains have been central to Italian geography and history since ancient times.

Kelly Says

The Apennines are Italy's geographic spine—they separate the western Tyrrhenian coast from the eastern Adriatic coast, and ancient Romans used them as natural boundaries; they're home to wolves, bears, and some of Europe's last wilderness.

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