History of Italy (ePub)

According to archaeological diggings, presence of modern
human date back to 200,000 years ago to the Palaeolithic
time. The Greek colonies settled in the southern portion of the
peninsula and the Sicily in the 8
th and 7
th centuries BCE. By
6
th and 5
th century BC they were in their Neolithic time. The
commencement of Bronze Age of the Italian Empire is
considered as 1500 BC.
The Italians were dominated by the Romans for centuries
before their main city - Rome was made a part of Italy. The
Romans always appreciated the Italians and always looked
forward to adopting their cultures. Christianity was the main
religion by the end of the 4
th century in the Italian region.
By the 5
th century the rule of Roman Empire came to an
end and the Lombard Kingdom of Italy was established. Italian
wars divided the entire peninsula into three main powers that
were Spain, Europe and Austria. This was later taken over by
Napoleon I and was overseen by the French.
The 19th century the peninsula was united once again and the
Kingdom of Italy was established in 1861. Italy developed
quickly, yet there were many areas that were poor and in
poverty. It was again taken over by Benito Mussolini who
established dictatorship over the region. The Fascists were
defeated only in 1945 after which monarchy was abolished in
1945 and a new Republic was set up on June 2, 1946. 1950's
and 60's saw tremendous growth and the nation developed so
much that the period is usually referred to as the Italian
Economic Miracle.
Italy is one of the founding members of the European Union.
It is also a part of the NATO, Organisation for Economic
Co-Operation and Development, G7 and United Nations
Organisation. Italy is a powerful country today and has its say
in the global undertakings.