It is almost impossible to think about Italy without recalling its Renaissance art masterpieces, its spectacular landscapes, or its widely loved cuisine. Although these combined elements hint at a united Italian culture, Italy is truly a country comprised of individual regions, each with their own identities, histories, and traditions. Readers will follow Italy's trajectory from a land of disparate barbarian kingdoms to a republic, discovering along the way the glories of the Medici period, the factors influencing Italy's development into one of the world's most industrialized countries, and the diverse society that makes up its population.