The Italians were dominated by the Romans for centuries before their main city - Rome was made a part of Italy. The Romans always appreciated the Italians and always looked forward to adopting their cultures. Christianity was the main religion by the end of the 4th century in the Italian region.
By the 5th century the rule of Roman Empire came to an end and the Lombard Kingdom of Italy was established. Italian wars divided the entire peninsula into three main powers that were Spain, Europe and Austria. This was later taken over by Napoleon I and was overseen by the French.