What Country Is Rome Now?
In ancient times, Rome was the capital city of the Roman Empire and the center of one of the most powerful civilizations in history. However, as empires rise and fall, borders change, and political landscapes shift, it is natural to wonder what country Rome is now a part of.
The Modern Country of Italy
Rome is now located within the modern country of Italy. Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is a European country located in Southern Europe. It shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, and Vatican City.
A Brief History
To understand how Rome became a part of Italy, we need to delve into history. The Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD after facing years of decline and invasions from various barbarian tribes. After its fall, Rome went through a series of changes in power and governance.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, the Papal States emerged as an independent territory governed by the Pope in Rome. However, this situation changed during the 19th century when Italy was unified under one nation-state.
The Risorgimento
The process of Italian unification is known as the Risorgimento or “The Resurgence.” It was a movement that aimed to unify various regions within the Italian peninsula under one nation-state. This movement gained momentum during the 19th century.
Under this movement for Italian unification, Rome became one of the last territories to join the unified Italy. In 1861, most regions were already united under King Victor Emmanuel II’s Kingdom of Sardinia. However, Rome remained under Papal rule until 1870.
The Capture of Rome
In 1870, Italian troops captured Rome, leading to the establishment of Rome as the capital city of unified Italy. This event marked the end of Papal rule over the region and solidified Rome’s place as a part of the newly formed Italian nation-state.
Rome Today
Today, Rome is not only the capital city of Italy but also an important cultural, historical, and political center. It is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City.
Rome attracts millions of tourists each year who come to explore its ancient ruins, visit world-class museums, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, and experience its vibrant atmosphere.
Preserving History
Italy takes great pride in preserving Rome’s rich history. The city has many archaeological sites that are protected and maintained by various institutions. These sites serve as a reminder of Rome’s glorious past and continue to attract scholars and history enthusiasts from around the world.
A Global City
Rome is not only significant within Italy but also on a global scale. It is home to numerous international organizations and institutions. The Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
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In conclusion, while ancient Rome was once a powerful empire ruling over vast territories, today it resides within Italy. The capture of Rome in 1870 marked a significant milestone in Italian unification and established it as the capital city of modern Italy. Rome continues to be a symbol of history, culture, and heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world.