History of Italy saw its beginning as early as 8 th century B.C. and slowly progressed through various social and cultural modifications to reach the present time of refinement, elegance and sophistication . In the post Italian unification period in 1861, the country had significant contributions in the diverse fields, exerting immense impact on the European cultural activities as well. In fact, the History of Italy had fathered some of the well-known civilizations and cultures since the pre-historical ages.
Bronze Age :
Between 15 th to 8 th centuries B.C., Terramare culture flourished in the Bronze Age. Followers of this culture called themselves Terramares who tamed animals and earned their livelihood by hunting and farming. They were also expert in metallurgy and caste bronze moulds of clay and stone.
Iron Age :
It is the Villanovan culture that initiated Iron Age in Italy between 8 th to 5 th centuries B.C. around the Po River valley and Etruria in Bologna. They performed cremations and buried the ashes of the dead in double-cone shaped urn potteries.
Etruscan Civilization :
Evolving around 8000 B.C., the Etruscans spoke in a non-Indo European language and resided in a monogamous society. They were firm believers of Polytheism. They supposed that all the visible phenomena in this world are regulated by some divine power, and every incident on earth are manifestations of this divine spirit.
Rome :
Founded in 5 th century B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the Roman history witnessed the governance of as many as seven emperors that led to considerable expansion of its territories.
Middle Ages :
History of Italy between 6thg to 14 th century B.C. witnessed several political upheavals and changes when the last reigning emperor was overthrown in 476 B.C., followed by the Gothic war and the golden age of Emperor Justinian. The Invasion of the Lombards on the Italian mainland was superseded by the Byzantine Empire and the successful rule of Emperor Charlemagne. The formation of the Papal States finally brought political stability in the political history of Italy .
Renaissance :
Between 15 th to 16 th centuries B.C., the History of Italy narrates the changes brought about by the impact of Renaissance. Originating at Tuscany, the cultural and intellectual revolution proceeded into the interiors of Italy, affecting all spheres of human lives in the country, be it cultural, intellectual, social or political.
Fascist Period :
After successful unification of the Italian states under Cavour between 16 th to 19 th centuries B.C., Italy was declared a nation-state. Monarchy gradually disappeared from the country and it prepared itself for the First World War. The period following Second World War saw the emergence of Fascism in Italy under the able leadership of Benito Mussolini who led the country into the War against Germany and the Axis Powers. It is some time after the termination of the Second World War that Italy was proclaimed a Republic post 1945 with a brand new constitution.
