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The history of Italy starts with the Egyptians and the Romans, with the Egyptians there for 4000+ years and the Romans for 1100 years. The Phoenicians settled in Italy around 720 BC. WE’ve found many artifacts from that time and discovered that they invented purple dye. The Greeks settled in Sicily and Naxos around 734 BC. There are many stories from this era that we know today, such as the connections to the Trojan War. We can see the changes in archeological history (in the valley talked about in the video) through the ages as people and the number of artifacts grew.

The Roman Republic was there around 509 BC. They built the first aqueducts, as well as the Trevi Fountain and bathing rooms. Water was important to the culture around that time. The Roman Empire started around 31 BC. This was when the events of Nero and the crucifixion of St. Peter occurred in Vatican City. The Colosseum was built in 72-80 BC. Gladiator battles would be held there. The Roman Forum was also constructed around this time. The Romans were good at making concrete and stone to build structures and roads. Trajan (98-117 CE) helped expand the empire and wealth of Rome. Constantine (306-337 CE) switched the Romans to Catholicism.

The Italian Renaissance (1330-1550 CE) was a revolutionary time for art, science, and history. This is when St. Peter’s Basilica was built. The Vatican Museum is full of art and historical artifacts, and this is where the Sistine Chapel is located.

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