History of Italy

Categories: Social Science | European History
    • Unification: 1861
    • Italy became a nation in 1871
    • "Italia" derives from the word Víteliú, meaning calf
    • Last king, Umberto II, died in 1983
    • Italian Renaissance began in Tuscany

  • Italy's history dates back to prehistoric ages. A great part of the country’s past involves the Roman Empire, which emerged in the 1st century BC. Italians have been involved in many wars and battles, but they did not have a unified nation until 1871, after Napoleon III withdrew from Rome in 1870.

  • Water, Water, Everywhere

    In the early days of the earth’s formation, Italy, except for her volcanoes, was completely under water. Italy’s reliance upon water has always been a key element in the country’s history. From ports used in trade to the aqueducts of Rome, water has sustained the country. The seas have had a key role in the history of Italy in transportation, trade, and war.

  • The Etruscans

    One of the most noted early civilizations on the Italian peninsula, predating the Romans, was the Etruscan culture. The Etruscans originated in Tuscany, and dominated Italy’s central region for approximately two centuries. As the Romans and Etruscans both contributed significantly to this region, debate persists as to the origin of many objects and structures found within Italy, particularly Rome.Mysterious Etruscans: Etruscan Art

  • The Roman Empire

    Eventually, the Roman Republic defeated the Etruscans and consolidated control of Italy. The Roman Empire grew to be a world superpower. When Rome collapsed, Italian cities began to operate autonomously. These “City-States” gained power and wealth independently of the church and rulers.

  • Italian Renaissance

    The Italian Renaissance, while noted for cultural accomplishments, did little to bring the average citizen out of medieval times. Rather, it was confined to the wealthy, who embraced it as a change in culture and thought. The end of the Renaissance coincided with the end of a series of wars known as the Italian Wars.

  • Plagued by War

    No sooner did the Italian Wars end than more began. Starting with the Thirty Years War, Italy struggled through one battle after another. It wasn’t until 1861 that Giuseppe Garibaldi finally succeeded in uniting the territories into one.

  • Il Duce Rises

    Social and political changes were shaken by Italy’s involvement in World War I. Civil unrest opened the door for fascism as citizens searched for a leader who would bring them out of turmoil. Benito Mussolini, known as Il Duce, stepped into the position and Italy’s Fascist party rose to power. Mussolini led the country into World War II and an alliance with Nazi Germany. Italians grew increasingly dissatisfied with his leadership, and the fascist grand council turned against Mussolini. He was executed in 1945, after the fall of Rome to the Allies.

  • Post War Era

    The end of World War II left Italy with several changes. No longer was the country’s head a king or dictator, but a new form of government, complete with a constitution, ruled. The young country struggled to rebuild after decades of devastating destruction. With help, Italy transformed into an industrialized nation that made good use of its resources and talents. Italy participates in the world today as a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

  • Italian Culture

    Throughout history, Italian culture has impacted not only the country, but the world. Inventions such as Leonardo da Vinci's creations,Federico Faggin's microprocessor and Bartolomeo Cristofori's piano have had a major impact on modern civilization.

  • Notable Italians

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