The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 09 : Italy

This volume offers a sweeping survey of Italy’s early history, beginning with the turbulent aftermath of Rome’s fall and the rise of the Lombard and Byzantine cities. It follows the emergence of the maritime republics, the complex relationship between empire and papacy, and the early stirrings of civic pride in places like Florence and Venice. Drawing on the work of over two thousand writers, the narrative blends political events, social conditions, and cultural developments into a clear, accessible account.

The later chapters move through the thirteenth‑century power struggles, detailing Frederick Barbarossa’s campaigns, the revival of the Lombard League, and the Norman conquests in Sicily. Richly annotated and supported by contributions from leading scholars across Europe and beyond, the book balances scholarly depth with readability, making it an engaging guide for anyone curious about the foundations of Italy’s storied past.