Pontine Marshes

Pontine Marshes, swamp region in Italy. Located in central Italy, it covers an area of about 175,000 acres (70,820 hectares). The hills and mountains around this area prevent its water from being drained into the sea, creating an unhealthy environment. For centuries, it was the cause of malaria epidemics. Attempts to drain the area by digging waterways date back to as early as 312 B.C. In 1926, Benito Mussolini initiated a project that successfully drained the marshes. The reclaimed land has become a fertile agricultural area with several cities.