Umbria, Italy

Italy is a European country, and home to 2 additional countries: Vatican City and San Marino. Italy has been home to many ancient Indo-European Italic people and cultures. The Latins formed the Roman Kingdom in 8th century BC, which later became a republic governed by the Senate and the People. By the 1st century BC, the Roman Empire was a dominant global force and became the leading cultural, political and religious center of Western civilization. For a period of over 200 years, the Pax Romana was a time period when law, technology, economy, art, literature and Chrisitianity developed and flourished. During the Early Middle Ages 6th century to the 10th century, Italy was invaded and experienced political turmoil. However, by the 11th century, Italy was on its way to a resurgence and thus began the Renaissance, a time of science, exploration, humanism and the arts, and the beginnings of capitalism. Italians began to explore new routes to the Far East and the New World, helping to spread the European Age of Discovery. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Italy was in a state of war. By the mid 19th century, most of Italy was unified, and in 1871 the Kingdom of Italy was established. Following the abolishment of the monarchy, Italy was liberated and established formally as the Italian Republic on June 18, 1946. Italy is home to 54 World Heritage Sites and considered to be one of the world’s most culturally and economically advanced countries.