Around The World
Italy Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Italy's history.
800-600 B.C.
Greeks, Etruscans and others settle in Italy.753 B.C.
Rome is founded. This marks the beginning of the Roman Kingdom.509 B.C.
The monarchy is overthrown, and Rome becomes a republic. From 46 to 44 B.C., Julius Caesar rules as dictator.27 B.C.
Augustus becomes the first emperor of the Roman Empire. He is Julius Caesar's grand-nephew and adopted son.
LAURENCE DELDERFIELD—GETTY IMAGES
1200-1600 A.D.
Rome, Florence and Venice prosper during the Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in culture.1861
Italy becomes a unified nation under King Victor Emmanuel II.
GETTY IMAGES
1915
Italy enters World War I on the side of the Allies.1940-1943
Italy sides with Germany and enters World War II. In 1943, dictator Benito Mussolini is forced to resign.1946
Italians vote to end the monarchy and make their nation a democratic republic.1984
Catholicism is no longer Italy's formal state religion.
JOHN THYS—AFP/GETTY IMAGES