According to archaeological diggings, presence of modern human date back to 200,000 years ago to the Palaeolithic time. The Greek colonies settled in the southern portion of the peninsula and the Sicily in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. By 6th and 5th century BC they were in their Neolithic time. The commencement of Bronze Age of the Italian Empire is considered as 1500 BC.
The Italians were dominated by the Romans for centuries before their main city - Rome was made a part of Italy. The Romans always appreciated the Italians and always looked forward to adopting their cultures. Christianity was the main religion by the end of the 4th century in the Italian region.
By the 5th century the rule of Roman Empire came to an end and the Lombard Kingdom of Italy was established. Italian wars divided the entire peninsula into three main powers that were Spain, Europe and Austria. This was later taken over by Napoleon I and was overseen by the French.
The 19th century the peninsula was united once again and the Kingdom of Italy was established in 1861. Italy developed quickly, yet there were many areas that were poor and in poverty. It was again taken over by Benito Mussolini who established dictatorship over the region. The Fascists were defeated only in 1945 after which monarchy was abolished in 1945 and a new Republic was set up on June 2, 1946. 1950's and 60's saw tremendous growth and the nation developed so much that the period is usually referred to as the Italian Economic Miracle.
Italy is one of the founding members of the European Union. It is also a part of the NATO, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, G7 and United Nations Organisation. Italy is a powerful country today and has its say in the global undertakings.
