The history of Italy dates back to ancient times, with the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, which later transformed into the Roman Empire. This empire became one of the most powerful in history, influencing law, politics, and culture across Europe and beyond until its fall in the 5th century AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Italy fragmented into various kingdoms and city-states, such as Venice, Florence, and Milan. The unification of Italy occurred in the 19th century, culminating in 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed, marking the beginning of modern Italian history.