A Brief History of Italy

'Jeremy Black skilfully sketches social, cultural and political trends' - Christina Hardyment, Times audiobook of the week 'A remarkable mixture of cold history, wide culture and personal experience' Ciro Paoletti, Secretary General of the Italian Commission of Military History Despite the Roman Empire's famous 500-year reign over Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East, Italy does not have the same long national history as states such as France or England. Divided for much of its history, Italy's regions have been, at various times, parts of bigger, often antagonistic empires, notably those of Spain and Austria. In addition, its challenging and varied terrain made consolidation of political control all the more difficult. This concise history covers, in very readable fashion, the formative events in Italy's past from the rise of Rome, through a unified country in thrall to fascism in the first half of the twentieth century right up to today. The birthplace of the Renaissance and the place where the Baroque was born, Italy has always been a hotbed of culture. Within modern Italy country there is fierce regional pride in the cultures and identities that mark out Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and Venice to name just a few of Italy's many famous regions. Jeremy Black draws on the diaries, memoirs and letters of historic travellers to Italy to gain insight into the passions of its people, first chronologically then regionally. In telling Italy's story, Black examines what it is that has given Italians such cultural clout - from food and drink, music and fashion, to art and architecture - and explores the causes and effects of political events, and the divisions that still exist today.

'Jeremy Black skilfully sketches social, cultural and political trends' - Christina Hardyment, Times audiobook of the week 'A remarkable mixture of cold history, wide culture and personal experience' Ciro Paoletti, Secretary General of the Italian Commission of Military History Despite the Roman Empire's famous 500-year reign over Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East, Italy does not have the same long national history as states such as France or England. Divided for much of its history, Italy's regions have been, at various times, parts of bigger, often antagonistic empires, notably those of Spain and Austria. In addition, its challenging and varied terrain made consolidation of political control all the more difficult. This concise history covers, in very readable fashion, the formative events in Italy's past from the rise of Rome, through a unified country in thrall to fascism in the first half of the twentieth century right up to today. The birthplace of the Renaissance and the place where the Baroque was born, Italy has always been a hotbed of culture. Within modern Italy country there is fierce regional pride in the cultures and identities that mark out Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and Venice to name just a few of Italy's many famous regions. Jeremy Black draws on the diaries, memoirs and letters of historic travellers to Italy to gain insight into the passions of its people, first chronologically then regionally. In telling Italy's story, Black examines what it is that has given Italians such cultural clout - from food and drink, music and fashion, to art and architecture - and explores the causes and effects of political events, and the divisions that still exist today.

Journey to the romantic land of Italy and meet the artists, warriors, and leaders who forever left their mark on Western culture. Perhaps no country has had such a lasting impact on Western culture as Italy. Whether it's the frescoes of the Renaissance, the politics of ancient Rome, or the struggles of the Catholic Church, Italy holds a central place on the world's stage. But how much do you actually know about Italy and its history? You've likely heard of Rome, Florence, and Pompeii. But do you know about the Etruscans, who laid the foundations of modern civilization way back in the 6th century BCE? Do you know what happened between the fall of Rome and the rise of the Renaissance? Or how and why Mussolini came to power in WWII? This book gives a brief but detailed overview of Italy's grand, sweeping history, from ancient city-state to modern cultural mecca. You'll learn about: The strange burial practices of the early EtruscansThe real story of Rome's most infamous leader, Julius CaesarHow politics and heresies plagued the early Catholic ChurchWhy Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and others flocked to Florence as the hub of Renaissance cultureThe intriguing 15th-century conspiracy to assassinate the Medici familyMussolini's terrifying quest to establish a dominant, fascist ItalyWhy the rich, vibrant land of Italy still captures our imaginations today And much more. Whether you're a student of Italian history looking for a refresher, a brand new learner looking for an introduction, or a future traveler looking to enhance your experience, this book is a concise, easy-to-read overview of the major players, events, and forces in Italian history, from antiquity to today. After reading this book, you'll be able to: Engage in discussions about Italy's history, art, and cultureUnderstand the role of Italy in shaping Western civilizationFully appreciate important Italian sites and artifactsTake your study of Italy's history and culture deeper Ready to dive into the rich, fascinating history of Italy? Want to discover the true story behind some of the greatest thinkers, artists, and warriors who ever lived? Scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button to begin your journey.

Journey to the romantic land of Italy and meet the artists, warriors, and leaders who forever left their mark on Western culture. Perhaps no country has had such a lasting impact on Western culture as Italy. Whether it's the frescoes of the Renaissance, the politics of ancient Rome, or the struggles of the Catholic Church, Italy holds a central place on the world's stage. But how much do you actually know about Italy and its history? You've likely heard of Rome, Florence, and Pompeii. But do you know about the Etruscans, who laid the foundations of modern civilization way back in the 6th century BCE? Do you know what happened between the fall of Rome and the rise of the Renaissance? Or how and why Mussolini came to power in WWII? This book gives a brief but detailed overview of Italy's grand, sweeping history, from ancient city-state to modern cultural mecca. You'll learn about: The strange burial practices of the early EtruscansThe real story of Rome's most infamous leader, Julius CaesarHow politics and heresies plagued the early Catholic ChurchWhy Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and others flocked to Florence as the hub of Renaissance cultureThe intriguing 15th-century conspiracy to assassinate the Medici familyMussolini's terrifying quest to establish a dominant, fascist ItalyWhy the rich, vibrant land of Italy still captures our imaginations today And much more. Whether you're a student of Italian history looking for a refresher, a brand new learner looking for an introduction, or a future traveler looking to enhance your experience, this book is a concise, easy-to-read overview of the major players, events, and forces in Italian history, from antiquity to today. After reading this book, you'll be able to: Engage in discussions about Italy's history, art, and cultureUnderstand the role of Italy in shaping Western civilizationFully appreciate important Italian sites and artifactsTake your study of Italy's history and culture deeper Ready to dive into the rich, fascinating history of Italy? Want to discover the true story behind some of the greatest thinkers, artists, and warriors who ever lived? Scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button to begin your journey.