Italy and Its Ruler: From Ancient Rome to the Italian Republic, an Illustrated History of Kings, Emp

Nearly 2,800 years of history. Kings, emperors, popes, dynasties, dictators, presidents-and the remarkable lands that eventually became modern Italy.

From the legendary founding of Rome in 753 BCE to the democratic Italian Republic of 2026, Italy and Its Rulers takes young readers, families, homeschoolers, teachers, and curious adults on an unforgettable journey through one of the richest histories in the world.

Discover how a small settlement beside the Tiber River grew into the Roman Republic and then the mighty Roman Empire. Meet legendary kings, Julius Caesar, Augustus, powerful emperors, medieval rulers, popes, Norman kings, Renaissance families, foreign dynasties, revolutionaries, monarchs, dictators, presidents, and prime ministers.

Along the way, explore the rise of Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Sicily, the Papal States, and the many kingdoms, republics, duchies, and city-states that existed long before modern Italy became one nation.

• Discover the legends of Romulus and Remus and Rome's seven traditional kings
• Follow Julius Caesar, Augustus, Trajan, Constantine, and other famous Roman leaders
• Meet medieval kings, powerful popes, Matilda of Tuscany, and Frederick II
• Enter the world of Venice, the Medici, the Sforza, and Renaissance courts
• Learn how Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi, and Victor Emmanuel II helped unite Italy
• Understand the rise of Mussolini, Fascism, World War II, and the fall of the monarchy
• Explore the birth and development of the modern Italian Republic
• Compare rulers through helpful Ruler Snapshots, timelines, maps, Fun Facts, Vocabulary Builders, and Quick Reviews
• Learn how historians separate legend, propaganda, disputed claims, and reliable evidence

• Young history lovers ages 12+
• Families and homeschoolers
• Classroom students and teachers
• Book clubs and curious adults
• Readers who enjoy rulers, politics, maps, timelines, and real-world history

• Complete ruler timelines
• Quick-reference tables
• Glossary of important terms
• Fun facts about Italy's rulers
• Discussion questions
• Mini quiz and answer key
• Further reading and source guide

Clear, engaging, and carefully organized, Italy and Its Rulers transforms centuries of complicated history into a fascinating story of power, ambition, faith, war, art, courage, failure, and change.