Abruzzi e Molise

Abruzzi e Molise (known as Abruzzi alone when part of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies) is a former region of Italy encompassing a total of 16,600 km2 (6,400 sq mi) and corresponding to the territories of Abruzzo, Molise and (until 1927) the Cittaducale District [it] (presently a part of Lazio).

The name Abruzzo appears to be derivative of the Latin word Aprutium, in turn from the tribe Praetutii.

The Abruzzo provinces were named for their distance from Naples, the capital, and referred to collectively by the plural Abruzzi.

In 1852, the Papal States annexed Ancarano, then further changes occurred during the formation of the Kingdom of Italy including the annexation of Venafro and adjustments of the border with Campania.

In 1963, the province of Campobasso (which still included present-day province of Isernia) was split from the region to form Molise, with the remaining four provinces, L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara and Chieti, comprising the present day Abruzzo.