Apennines

Apennines, mountain chain forming the backbone of the Italian peninsula and extending into Sicily, about 800 mi (1,287 km) long and 25–80 mi (40–129 km) wide. The predominant rocks are limestone and dolomite; sulfur and cinnabar are mined in the volcanic area near Vesuvius. Olives, grapes, and grains are widely grown, although lack of fertile topsoil prevents intensive agriculture.