If it weren’t for the Roman Empire, would Italy have had the same impact on European life that it does right now?

We would certainly have lived in a different world if it weren’t for the Romans. Today, Italy continues to influence us in many subtle ways too.

Articles about Italy, by region

Select one of the Italian regions to drill down and see articles and stories connected to it.

All articles about Italy

• The Samo Empire February 21, 2024 - Samo, a French arms dealer, became king after leading a Slavic federation to victory against the Turks. He established the first Slavic state, which dissolved… Continue Reading
• Who would rule Italy? July 7, 2022 - In 1024, Italy tired of German rule and wondered if French nobility would like to be the King of Italy. Would this have been good… Continue Reading
• The big Celtic invasion of central Europe January 18, 2021 - The word Celtic drums up images of Ireland and other parts of the British Isles. Some of us may even know of the Celtic connection… Continue Reading
• The Schmalkaldic war September 21, 2020 - The Holy Roman Empire has a lot to answer for. Before it defined modern international relations, the Empire was going through the Reformation. This led… Continue Reading
• Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others,… Continue Reading
• The Allied bombing of Prague May 18, 2020 - During World War II, Prague wasn't as affected by bombing as many other European cities were. This was because planes didn’t have the range to… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more… Continue Reading
• Italian political prisoners in Czechia March 30, 2020 - One of the most dangerous secret societies in 19th century Italy was the Carbonari. Fighting for a united Italy, many across Europe feared them and… Continue Reading
• Preserving Malta’s money supply March 23, 2020 - European geopolitics in the 1930s caused plenty of uncertainty. The British worried about riots in the Middle East, and the possibility of another major war… Continue Reading
• Spanish steps February 10, 2020 - Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason… Continue Reading
• The mystical messianic troglodyte of Comino January 20, 2020 - One early scholar of Kabbalah was a 13th century mystic called Abraham Abulafia. He had visions, tried to convince the Pope of his reasoning and… Continue Reading
• In exile in Malta November 11, 2019 - The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of… Continue Reading
• How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of… Continue Reading
• The shock of the 1908 tsunami in Malta August 20, 2018 - One side effect of an earthquake in a coastal region is a tsunami that rips through the sea around it. Malta is close to a… Continue Reading
• The Bridge of Fists April 23, 2018 - It was a hot and humid day, the type where the clammy air sticks to you and weighs at your temples. I strolled through an… Continue Reading
• The Spinsters’ Church November 6, 2017 - I hold on as the swaying of the boat almost makes me lose my balance. I am on a vaporetto heading to the Venetian island… Continue Reading
• Egypt and Malta – Unusual Historical Connections March 20, 2017 - Ask anyone in Malta to direct you to the Mosta Dome and you'll get immediate directions. Not all churches on the island are as well-known… Continue Reading
• Astrological Signs in Milan’s Duomo August 29, 2016 - The Duomo in Milan - the huge marble cathedral that dominates the city - contains many artefacts and works of art. I wasn't expecting to… Continue Reading
• How to Drink Coffee Like a Local June 1, 2015 - You can study the tourist guide as much as you like, you can make sure to avoid looking at a map when you're on holiday and… Continue Reading
• A Walking Guide to Rome – Rione II ‘Trevi’ May 25, 2015 - In the days of the Roman Empire Gaius Octavius, Caesar's adopted son, divided Rome into 14 subdivisions called Rione (Latin for region) which are synonymous with modern-day… Continue Reading
• Shock, Terror and War – Bombing Via Rasella March 16, 2015 - Wherever you are in Europe, it is safe to say that you are no more than a stone's throw away from the location of some… Continue Reading
• A Wonderful Walk In The Rain In Rome March 2, 2015 - It was the first time I'd done this, sitting at a cafe, watching. Just watching. Not talking and letting my sight wander while trying to follow some conversation… Continue Reading
• The Curious Story of the Slave and the Baker February 2, 2015 - Imagine what life must have been like in Ancient Rome. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis of the city-state that ruled the known world… Continue Reading
• Anti-Mafia dining in Rome December 29, 2014 - There are many considerations that come to mind when choosing a restaurant - location, style, quality, parking maybe - but I've never found myself in… Continue Reading
• Apero O’Clock December 23, 2013 - There is a slight, imperceptible shift in the air. It is barely noticeable, and many of the Milanese in the Piazza Del Duomo around me… Continue Reading