An Overview of the Past of Italy

When you think of Italy, it’s nearly impossible to not think of the past. It is rich and complex starting from before ancient Roman times, continuing on through the turbulence of fascism, and finally ending with today’s modern country. Italy has it all – mystery, intrigue, religion, beauty and character, and studying the past of this impressive country can help us all to understand the current culture of Italy.

The earliest recorded mention Italy comes from the Paleolithic era, which occurred over 200,000 years ago. Italy didn’t really become a fully formed area, however, until the first Greek settlers arrived in the country in the eighth century BC. The name Italy is said to have either come from the name Italus, who was one of the kings of the area, or the Homeric word that meant “bull”. By the third century BC, the Romans had taken over the entire area of the Mediterranean, which included Italy, and this boot-shaped land became part of the Roman Empire. This Roman era led to prosperity and peace for the land of Italy, and this was continued until around 400 AD.

The Germanic people became the rulers of Italy around 400 AD. They ruled for roughly 135 years until, in 535, Justinian reclaimed the area for Rome. For the next 1000 years, Italy became a fragmented group of city states, and the paths of the southern and northern parts of Italy differed greatly. In the northern area, the city states of Genoa, Florence, Milan and especially Venice prospered, both in areas of commerce and those of politics. The southern part of Italy, in areas such as Sicily, were taken over first by Muslims in the ninth century and then by the Normans in the 1050’s. The areas of Sicily and Naples were filled with turmoil, but they also produced the climate that fed the Italian Renaissance movement where artists such as Michelangelo produced stunning works.

By the 1600’s, the Hapsburgs had taken control of the area of Italy and were strong rulers of many city states. Their rule was opposed, however, and by 1861, Italy’s smaller city states had united to form a full country known as Italy. Victor Immanuel II became the first king of Italy, and the country continued under a monarch until 1946, when a republic was developed.

Since that time, the republic has continued without interruption with one exception. In the 1930s, Mussolini became the elected President, but was for all intensive purposes a fascist dictator. As you know, he was deposed as Italy was defeated in World War II. Since that time, the country has remained a republic.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com – a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about Italy.

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My friend studied Fashion Design in Rome during one semester of her Undergraduate studies. Whenever she speaks of her overseas experience, she can’t help but get a huge smile. During her program, there was a fashion design competition, which she ended up winning and gaining great publicity and enhancing her resume. She is now teaching at an American University.

There are programs for everyone; the casual traveler that wishes to learn more about a specific subject, summer sessions, college credit sessions, high school programs, and, Graduate programs. The four main cities to consider for your overseas adventures are Rome, Torino, Siena, Florence, and Venice. Rome will obviously have the most programs available since it is the largest city and the country’s capital. The benefits of studying here include the multitude of historical sites you can visit, a vibrant festive atmosphere, and using its great location as a jumping-off point to visit other Italian and Mediterranean locations.

Torino was made famous by hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics and would be a great place to live and study during the winter months; if you like skiing, of course. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy’s primary wine growing region. Living in this ancient city, you will feel as if you’ve been transported back into the ages while walking through the many beautiful piazza and courtyards. Florence is world famous for its Michelangelo’s David, the nightlife, and all around Italian charm. The city offers a cultural experience that rivals any program in the world. Venice, of course, is surrounded by the mystique of its romantic aura. Since the city is actually made up of over one hundred Islands and over four hundred bridges, to get to classes, there’s a good chance you might have to take a stroll along the canal or ride a water taxi as you people watch everyone strolling by.

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