Ch 13 – 3 Italy

If you lived there ….. Imagine: You live in Rome, the historic heart of Italy. Wherever you walk in Rome, you see reminders of the city’s long and rich history. It may be a 600 year old church or a 2,000 year old market. One of your favorite spots to visit is the Colosseum. When you sit inside this ancient arena, you can imagine fierce gladiators and wild animals fighting there long ago. How does History affect life in Italy?

Building Background Italian history continues to affect life in Italy today, but its influence extends for beyond that one country. All around the world, people owe their ideas about art, government, law, and language to Italy and its people. Many of these ideas are ancient, but even today Italians help shape the world’s culture.

Italy- geography Located on Mediterranean Sea, near Greece

History Ancient Rome – built in 700 BC, eventually controlled all the land around the Mediterranean Sea.

Ancient Roman Influences Art Architecture Literature Laws Christianity

The Renaissance A period of great advances in art, architecture, and literature Began in the 1300s From Italy, spread to other parts of Europe Leonardo da Vinci’s the Mona Lisa

Unified Italy Until 1800’s Italy was divided into small states/kingdoms Feelings of nationalism increased Italy was unified into one country in 1861 In 1920’s Mussolini became dictator Italy joined Germany in WW2 Italy and Germany were defeated After WW2, Italy became a democracy with an elected Parliament and Prime Minister

Culture Religion – Catholicism (largest branch of Christianity) Pope is the leader, and lives in Vatican City

Local Traditions Food: olives, tomatoes, rice, pasta Art: painters, sculptors, authors, fashion, film

Italy Today Italians are joined by their language, their religion, and strong family ties, even though the land is very different in the north and the south.

Southern Italy Weak economy Less industry, depends heavily on agriculture (farming) Tourism

Northern Italy Strong economy Geography – great farmland, major trade centers, and popular tourist attractions Italy must import food, it cannot grow enough to feed all of the people Milan – major fashion design center Railroads, highways, and tunnels through the Alps make shipment of goods easy

Northern Italy Today Millions of tourists visit Northern Italy every year They come to see: Art in Florence The Leaning Tower in Pisa Venice – the city of canals

Rome A bridge to both parts, North and South In the middle of the country Capital of Italy

Compare and Contrast Northern ItalySouthern Italy