Italian history

Early History and Middle Ages

Italy was home of the Roman Empire, which dominated the Mediterranean for centuries.
The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the start of the Middle Ages in Italy.
This period saw the rise of powerful city-states such as Venice, Genoa, Pisa, Milan and Florence.
The Renaissance began in Italy around 14th century, marking Europe’s transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity.

Unification and the Kingdom of Italy

The unification of Italy was a complex process that took place in the 19th century, leading to the establishment of the modern state of Italy.
The process was led by a variety of political and military leaders, including Camillo Benso count of Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and King Victor Emmanuel II.
The unified Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed in 1861.
In the aftermath of unification, the new state struggled with political instability, regional tensions and socio-economic disparities.

Fascist Era and World War II

The fascist regime led by Benito Mussolini came to power in 1922 and ruled Italy until 1943.
Mussolini allied Italy with Nazi Germany during World War II, which brought devastation and occupation to the country.
Mussolini was overthrown in 1943 and Italy switched sides to the Allies but remained occupied by German forces until 1945.
The resistance movement against the German occupation and the fascist regime played a significant role towards the end of the war.

The Italian Republic

After World War II, Italy became a republic following a referendum in 1946.
The referendum led to the exile of the House of Savoy, the former ruling family, and marked the country’s transition to democracy.
In the post-war period, Italy experienced an economic miracle, becoming one of the world’s most developed nations.
In recent years, Italy has faced significant challenges including economic stagnation, political instability, immigration and issues with the European Union.