Territoriene

Territoriene refers to a group of area designations that were used in Italy during World War II. Specifically, these designations referred to the territories that were governed by the Italian military during the war. The term "territoriene" is derived from the Italian word for "home territory" or "native land."

The Italian Government, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, introduced this system of territories in 1942 as part of a broader effort to reorganize and regain control over Italy's overseas territories. The territories were designated as replacement for the colonial empire that Italy had lost when Eritrea, Somalia, and Libya were carved out of its authority by Britain and the Free French Forces in the preceding years.

Territoriene were formed in various parts of the World, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. These territories were strategic for Italy's plans to maintain its dominance in the region and to gain access to vital trade routes and natural resources.

Under the control of Italian authorities, the Territoriene were established with the aim to appropriate sovereignty and self-preservation over the possessions lost to Britain and other powers. No laws or decrees were ever passed to formally describe the territorial specifics of each area.