History of Italy

Explore the arts, culture, and history of Italy

Famous for the Colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, the renowned fashion houses of Milan, and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, Italy is a vibrant tapestry of ancient landmarks and modern industry.

In the 21st century, Italian history has been shaped by the transformative political influence of media mogul Silvio Berlusconi, who served multiple terms as prime minister, as well as migrant crises, a series of natural disasters, and the rise of populism culminating in the 2022 election of Giorgia Meloni, the first woman to lead Italy as prime minister.

This second edition of The History of Italy provides readers with an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the long and ever-evolving history of Italy and its people.