I have always been very fond of Italian Culture. They are an extremely passionate and expressive people which is demonstrated through so many aspects. Their history, art, music, style, and cuisine are full of so much character... I myself have often been mistaken for being Italian, and I must admit that I enjoy to play along with these false assumptions. It's not at all that I'm ashamed of my Venezuelan/Irish/Swedish/American culture,... it's just that I really love Italian culture!
Italian History
Although the glorious Roman Empire, is often considered a category of it's own, one cannot deny that it was centered in Italy. It was great names like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Marcus Aurelius that greatly contributed to the Italian culture we know today. They created a new system of government, which made them the ultimate power in the world for nearly 500 years. To this day Rome is the capital and centerpiece of Italy, full of so much ancient history. All though I will not get too much into the Roman Empire in this entry, I think it is necessary to tie it in with Italy's historical culture.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, and during the middle ages, Italy became one of the biggest contributors to the development of art, science, and philosophy. From the 14th to the 16th century Italy experienced what became known as a cultural Renaissance(rebirth), that spread all through-out Europe.
Yet from the late 1500s to the early 1800s Italy became dominated by foreign powers, most notably France. In 1796 Napoleon invaded Italy, and by 1802 had created a new Italian republic under his rule. Napoleon ruled much of Italy until he was finally defeated in 1814. This eventually lead to the Italian unification and the first ever unified state of Italy.
During this period of unification, Italy experienced many revolutions, and social upheavals. It wasn't until 1861 that Victor Emanuel II established Italy as a monarchy. In 1870 he took advantage of the Franco-Prussian War to recapture Rome from the French, and make it the new capital of Italy.
During WWI, Italy at first remained neutral yet eventually sided with the Triple Entente against the Central Powers of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Following this war, Italy's economy collapsed and they began to shift from a state of liberalism to a state of fascism.
It was Benito Mussolini, who established the first Fascist government in Europe, in 1922. He became dictator of Italy, conquered Ethiopia, and annexed Albania. Mussolini created an alliance with Adolf Hitler 's Nazi Germany as well as Japan, and became one of the Axis Powers of WWII. They were eventually invaded by the Allied Powers in 1943, and Mussolini was thrown out of power shortly after. He was publicly executed in 1945, causing his fascist remnant to surrender.
Ever since their terrible involvement in WWII, Italy has established a Republic and has been back on the up-swing.
Italian Art
Italy has a tremendous history of Fine Art, most notably during the Italian Renaissance. Here are some of the many notable Italian artists that I have come to admire...
Italians have especially paved the way throughout history in architectural achievements. From the ancient landmarks of the Roman Empire such as the Colosseum to their effective aqueduct waterline systems. When Rome became the center of Catholicism they paved the way with their masterful basilicas and temples that filled St. Peter Square at Vatican City.
They created a truly unique city in Venice, buildings and bridges floating on water. During the Renaissance Age, they began new design concepts most notably their innovative dome cathedrals in Florence. The architecture of Italy has always had an extremely classical and world-renown essence about it. Here are some of the most popular Italian landmarks today
Movies about Italian Culture
Two Women (1960 Italian film, about a woman who is raped during WWII. Won Sophia Loren her first Academy Award)
The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece about Italian organized crime in America)
Life is Beautiful (1997 Italian film starring and directed by Roberto Benigni, the tells the story of a Jewish-Italian family during their internment at a Nazi concentration camp. It won numerous awards including best actor for Benigni)
The Son's Room (Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival)
II Divo (2008 Biopic of the former Italian Prime Minister, Giulio Andereotti)
Italian Cuisine
The cuisine of Italy is probably one of the most popular foods in the world. There's hardly a person alive who doesn't enjoy pasta, pizza, or lasagna. They also have some of the best coffee, wine, cheese, and deserts in the world as well.
Italian Music
Italian History
Although the glorious Roman Empire, is often considered a category of it's own, one cannot deny that it was centered in Italy. It was great names like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Marcus Aurelius that greatly contributed to the Italian culture we know today. They created a new system of government, which made them the ultimate power in the world for nearly 500 years. To this day Rome is the capital and centerpiece of Italy, full of so much ancient history. All though I will not get too much into the Roman Empire in this entry, I think it is necessary to tie it in with Italy's historical culture.Following the fall of the Roman Empire, and during the middle ages, Italy became one of the biggest contributors to the development of art, science, and philosophy. From the 14th to the 16th century Italy experienced what became known as a cultural Renaissance(rebirth), that spread all through-out Europe.
Yet from the late 1500s to the early 1800s Italy became dominated by foreign powers, most notably France. In 1796 Napoleon invaded Italy, and by 1802 had created a new Italian republic under his rule. Napoleon ruled much of Italy until he was finally defeated in 1814. This eventually lead to the Italian unification and the first ever unified state of Italy.During this period of unification, Italy experienced many revolutions, and social upheavals. It wasn't until 1861 that Victor Emanuel II established Italy as a monarchy. In 1870 he took advantage of the Franco-Prussian War to recapture Rome from the French, and make it the new capital of Italy.
During WWI, Italy at first remained neutral yet eventually sided with the Triple Entente against the Central Powers of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Following this war, Italy's economy collapsed and they began to shift from a state of liberalism to a state of fascism.
It was Benito Mussolini, who established the first Fascist government in Europe, in 1922. He became dictator of Italy, conquered Ethiopia, and annexed Albania. Mussolini created an alliance with Adolf Hitler 's Nazi Germany as well as Japan, and became one of the Axis Powers of WWII. They were eventually invaded by the Allied Powers in 1943, and Mussolini was thrown out of power shortly after. He was publicly executed in 1945, causing his fascist remnant to surrender.
Ever since their terrible involvement in WWII, Italy has established a Republic and has been back on the up-swing.
Italian Art
Italy has a tremendous history of Fine Art, most notably during the Italian Renaissance. Here are some of the many notable Italian artists that I have come to admire...
- Caravaggio
- Leonardo da Vinci (painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathametician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, philosopher, botanist, and writer.... best known for his works; Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, as well as his drawing of the Vitruvian Man)
- Giorgio de Chirico (The Song of Love)
- Giotto di Bondone
- Gentile Bellini
- Michelangelo (Pieta, David, The Last Judgment)
- Raphael
- Pino Daeni
- Sandro Botticelli (The Birth of Venus and Primavera)
- Donatello
- The Divine Comedy written by Dante in the early 1300s, tells of the poet's travels through the three realms of afterlife; Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is an extremely metaphoric story about mankind's quest for temporary and eternal happiness. I have the book in my collection, yet have still been unable to tackle the complex poem. This classic masterpiece is considered as the foundation of the Middle Ages as well as Italian literature.
Italians have especially paved the way throughout history in architectural achievements. From the ancient landmarks of the Roman Empire such as the Colosseum to their effective aqueduct waterline systems. When Rome became the center of Catholicism they paved the way with their masterful basilicas and temples that filled St. Peter Square at Vatican City.They created a truly unique city in Venice, buildings and bridges floating on water. During the Renaissance Age, they began new design concepts most notably their innovative dome cathedrals in Florence. The architecture of Italy has always had an extremely classical and world-renown essence about it. Here are some of the most popular Italian landmarks today
- The Colosseum, Rome
- Florence Cathedral, Florence
- Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
- St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
- Venice the "City of Water"
Movies about Italian Culture
Two Women (1960 Italian film, about a woman who is raped during WWII. Won Sophia Loren her first Academy Award)The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece about Italian organized crime in America)
Life is Beautiful (1997 Italian film starring and directed by Roberto Benigni, the tells the story of a Jewish-Italian family during their internment at a Nazi concentration camp. It won numerous awards including best actor for Benigni)
The Son's Room (Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival)
II Divo (2008 Biopic of the former Italian Prime Minister, Giulio Andereotti)
Italian Cuisine
The cuisine of Italy is probably one of the most popular foods in the world. There's hardly a person alive who doesn't enjoy pasta, pizza, or lasagna. They also have some of the best coffee, wine, cheese, and deserts in the world as well.
- Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Caff elate, Tiramasu
- Soups: Minestrone (Vegetable Soup) Tortellini Noodles
- Noodle Entrees: Spaghetti, Ravioli, Lasagna, Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, Fettuccine Alfredo, Linguine, Tortellini
- Pizza: The toppings and variations are endless however the principle ingredients are dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. Each Italian region has their own style of pizza. Naples made the pepperoni pizza popular, while Sicily made the deep-dish and thick crust style popular. The many forms of pizza have reached a global scale and always seem to be a favorite
- Deserts: Gelato (Ice Cream), Cannoli (fried shells with sweet cream inside), Tiramasu (coffee flavored cake)
Italian Music
- Antonio Vivaldi (Considered one of the greatest Baroque composers of all time, his beautiful classical sound is defined by the violin. He composed over 40 concertos, including his most famous violin concerto, The Four Seasons)
- Frank Sinatra (Although born in America, Sinatra came from an Italian upbringing, of which he used to characterize his music. He became one of the father-figures of the swing and jazz sound of the 40s, and to this day has become an American musical icon.)
- World Cup Champions in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006
- Runners-Up in 1970, 1994
- Great Players: Cannavaro, Maldini, Buffon, Luigi Riva, Roberto Baggio
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