Rome, caput mundi and glorious mother of western civilization, wasn’t the first power to rule over the peninsula. Naturally enough, a lot happened before that faithful April 21, 753 BC, the date selected by Latin historian Varro as the beginning of its motherland’s history. In terms of humankind history, in fact, the Roman civilization is relatively young, if you think that the majestic pyramids of Giza were built about 2000 years earlier and the Mycenaeans ruled over Greek lands around 1000 BC.  

Yet, when it comes to Italy, it’s hard to severe the - rightful - cultural and historical bond with the ancient Romans and think about those who came and ruled before them. From the mysterious to the enlightened, from those who gave Italy her name to memories of Celtic magic, here are the names and deeds of those who were before Rome and gave to our beautiful country some of its essence and soul.