Basilicata (bäzēlēkäˈtä) [key], region (1991 pop. 610,528),
3,856 sq mi (9,987 sq km), S Italy, bordering on the Tyrrhenian
Sea in the southwest and on the Gulf of Taranto in the
southeast. It forms the instep of the Italian "boot."Potenza is
the capital of Basilicata, which is divided into Potenza and
Matera provs. (named for their capitals). The region is crossed
by the Lucanian Apennines; its main river is the Bradano.
Because of a dry climate and a scarcity of groundwater, farming
is difficult, although it is the occupation of most inhabitants
of the generally poor region. Olives, plums, and cereals are
grown, and sheep and goats are raised. There is also some
fishing. The transportation network is very limited, and
commerce and industry are minimal, except in the Pisticci zone
where a chemical plant is located. Natural gas also has been
discovered near Matera. Basilicata corresponds to most of
ancient Lucania and to part of ancient Samnium. Rome took the
region in 272 B.C.; it later passed in turn to the