Italy is well known for its wonderfully scenic landscapes, its rich cultural traditions, its remarkable variety of urban centers, and its variegated history. 
For more than two and a half millennia Italy has been the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the home of many different civilizations, all of which have left their mark. The richly illustrated lecture will begin with the many faces of Italy: its varied topography, cities and towns, regional differences, and local traditions. We will then pass to a presentation of the cultural mosaic of Italy from Antiquity to the present day with a look at the more than fifteen different civilizations that flourished on Italian soil. 
Finally, we will focus on Rome, examining first the impact — the “Roman imprint” — that the Eternal City had on the larger Mediterranean world (and beyond) and then the history of the city as seen through its various monuments, numerous churches, exquisite works of art, attractive public spaces, and many gastronomical delights.
Chris Kleinhenz taught medieval Italian literature at the UW-Madison for almost forty years. He has led many tours to Italy sponsored by the Division of Continuing Studies and the UW Alumni Association and has lived in Italy (Naples, Bologna, Perugia, Florence and Rome) on various occasions where he taught and directed UW study-abroad programs. He has given a number of illustrated presentations on Italy for the Retirement Association.
If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Esther Olson at emolson2@wisc.edu by March 17.
Food Pantry Contributions:
Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 18
Registration:
Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.
NOTE: The weblink and virtual call information will be included in the meeting reminders registrants receive.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
