Rome, the eternal city, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. It is a city that has captured the imagination of people from all over the world for centuries.
But have you ever wondered which country actually owns Rome? Let’s dive into this intriguing question and explore the fascinating ownership history of this iconic city.
The Ownership Journey of Rome
Rome’s ownership has seen numerous transitions throughout its long and storied past. It has been under the control of different powers, empires, and states over time. From ancient times to the present day, Rome’s ownership has changed hands multiple times, making it a truly unique case in terms of territorial control.
Ancient Rome
In ancient times, Rome was the capital of one of history’s most powerful empires – the Roman Empire. At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched across vast territories encompassing modern-day Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and parts of northern Africa. During this period, Rome was owned by itself as it was an independent city-state within its empire.
Medieval Period
Following the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD, Rome went through a period of political instability and fragmentation. Various Germanic tribes invaded and occupied parts of Italy during this time. Ownership shifted between different kingdoms such as Ostrogoths and Lombards until Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire gained control in 800 AD.
Papal States
One significant phase in Rome’s ownership history began in 756 AD when Pope Stephen II established the Papal States – a region governed by popes that included Rome and other surrounding territories. For nearly a thousand years until 1870 AD (except for some interruptions), Rome was owned by the Papal States and remained under papal control.
Italian Unification
In the 19th century, a movement for Italian unification known as the Risorgimento gained momentum. This movement aimed to unify various Italian states and kingdoms into one nation.
Rome, however, remained a stumbling block as it was still under papal ownership. It wasn’t until 1870 AD when Italian troops seized Rome and brought it under the control of the Kingdom of Italy.
Modern-Day Ownership
Since the unification of Italy, Rome has remained under Italian ownership and is the capital city of Italy. Today, Rome is an autonomous comune (municipality) within the wider administrative region of Lazio. As the capital city, Rome plays a crucial role in Italian politics, culture, and economy.
In Conclusion
So, which country owns Rome? The answer is Italy.
Throughout its rich history, Rome has experienced various changes in ownership from being an independent city-state to being part of empires and papal control. However, since 1870 AD, Rome has been firmly owned by Italy and continues to be an iconic symbol of Italian heritage and civilization.
Rome’s captivating allure lies not just in its ownership history but also in its remarkable cultural heritage that attracts millions of visitors each year. Exploring this historic city allows us to connect with our past and appreciate the enduring legacy left behind by different civilizations throughout time.