The province of Lecce has its origins in the medieval
Giustizierato, known then as the province of
Terra d'Otranto. During the medieval era, Muslim slaves were transported from the province's ports and the practice of keeping slaves was common. Since the eleventh century the
Terra d'Otranto included the territories of the provinces of Lecce,
Taranto and
Brindisi, with the exception of
Fasano and
Cisternino. During this time Lecce was severely affected by poverty despite the production of olive oil. People from Lecce migrated to the
Province of Bari, where they worked in the wine industry. Up to 1663, the province of Terra d'Otranto also included the territory of
Matera (Basilicata). Its first capital was
Otranto but in the Norman period (twelfth century), Lecce city was made the capital. After the unification of Italy, the name Terra d'Otranto was changed to province of Lecce and its territory was divided into the four districts; Lecce, Gallipoli, Brindisi and Taranto. Its break-up began in 1923 when the district of Taranto was transformed into the new province of the Ionian. After the first world war economic conditions worsened and unemployment peaked. These factors, coupled with the negligence of the weak government, prompted farm workers to revolt against their employers. Farm owners were captured and paraded in public places. == Municipalities ==