Editing Italy (section)

=== Historical Overview ===

==== Ancient and Medieval Times ====

# '''Ancient Rome''':
#* '''Roman Republic''': Founded in 509 BC, the Roman Republic expanded its territory through conquest and alliances.
#* '''Roman Empire''': Established in 27 BC, the empire became one of the most powerful civilizations in history, influencing law, politics, engineering, and culture. The city of Rome, with landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, reflects the grandeur of this era.
# '''Middle Ages''':
#* '''Byzantine Italy''': After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, parts of Italy were controlled by the Byzantine Empire.
#* '''Lombard and Frankish Rule''': Northern Italy saw invasions and settlements by the Lombards and later the Franks.
#* '''Papal States''': Central Italy was under the control of the Papal States, governed by the Pope.
#* '''City-States''': By the 12th century, city-states like Venice, Florence, and Genoa became powerful economic and cultural centers.

==== Renaissance and Early Modern Period ====

# '''The Renaissance''':
#* Originating in Florence in the 14th century, the Renaissance was a cultural movement that emphasized humanism, art, science, and literature. Key figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
#* Italy became the epicenter of artistic and intellectual innovation, with cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice leading the way.
# '''Unification of Italy''':
#* The 19th century saw the unification of Italy, a complex process led by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi, Count Camillo di Cavour, and King Victor Emmanuel II. The Risorgimento, or the resurgence, culminated in the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

==== Modern History ====

# '''World Wars''':
#* Italy played a significant role in both World Wars. In World War I, Italy fought alongside the Allies. In World War II, under the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, Italy initially sided with the Axis powers before switching allegiance to the Allies in 1943.
# '''Post-War Period''':
#* After World War II, Italy transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1946. The post-war period saw rapid economic growth and industrialization, transforming Italy into a leading global economy.