Abstract to the book "Lords of the World: a Brief History of Italy from Ancient Rome to the present day" by R. King: In 753 BC Romulus, the son of the god of war Mars, fed by a she—wolf, climbed the Palatine hill and outlined the earth around himself with a plow. The ancient gods sent their omen to Romulus and Remus, and it will lead to a brutal fratricide. This is the legend of the founding of Rome. The new city has united a diverse population within its walls – slaves and fugitives, robbers and slaves — and it will become the source of the most powerful force the Ancient world has ever known.The outstanding art historian Ross King explores the origins of the greatness of Ancient Rome, the decline and collapse of this amazing state, the vivid diversity of medieval Italian cities, the phenomenon of the Renaissance, the tragic fate of Italy under fascism and the post-war era. In his fascinating narrative, King covers the 3,000-year history of Italy: its triumphs and defeats, unique art and architecture, the fate of great geniuses and great sinners. "After the night comes the dawn, because the whole history of Italy is about resilience and rebirth" (Ross King). Read more…