"The reiterated, dramatic earthquakes in Central Italy between late August and early November 2016 have caused enormous damage not only to citizens and their homes, but also to cultural, architectural and artistic heritage in a vast area embracing Umbria, Marche, and Lazio. Thus, we have decided to devote a special issue of 'Predella' to this topic. Many distinguished scholars have generously offered their contributions, which range from general political and cultural overviews to first-hand, heartfelt reports in places struck by the earthquake, from art-historical essays to technical and scientific inquiries on safety measures and historical seismololgy."--P. 7.