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A History of Italy

A History of Italy

Join history buff, Mike Corradi on a journey through time as he unfolds the rich tapestry of the Italian peninsula's history. This chronological story starts with the dramatic collapse of the Western Roman Empire and leads you through the most iconic events, influential figures, and cultural milestones that have shaped Italy into what we see today.

Reviews

"Interesting and witty episodes of the perfect length. Don’t miss this podcast (or Mike’s family helping out with the skits at the end of the episodes!). Practically perfect in every way! "

Helenka Kinnan | May 6, 2023

"This is an equal part interesting and fun podcast to listen to talking about the roots of Italian history beginning thousands of years ago before the modern conception of Italian unification. The pod…"

Kara DiDomizio | June 30, 2020

"Incredibly fun and informative podcast that covers Italy from the fall of the Western Roman Empire onwards. Filled with just enough wit to keep it lively and paced beautifully to move it along, it's …"

| May 8, 2020

Great stuff!

"Clear and entertaining. Love the special episodes!"

HelenRayCA | Feb. 15, 2024

Hello You

"Mil grazie"

Ned Snark | July 26, 2023

Well researched with a sense of humor

"Well researched with a sense of humor and personality is exactly what I want from a history podcast. Plus the episodes are a good length. Not too long for my limited attention span!"

her half of history | May 11, 2023

Must-Listen: A History of Italy

"Absolutely captivating! 'A History of Italy' is a fascinating and well-researched journey through the rich and complex history of this beautiful country. The host's passion and enthusiasm for the sub…"

Murdrak | Feb. 15, 2023

Wonderful!

"I am a little late to this but am really enjoying it. Lots of fun little bits and good information."

Dkfffffffdk | Dec. 31, 2022

Recent Episodes

Jan. 3, 2026

200th episode 8th anniversary

New Edit To celebrate the 200th anniversary episode, which coincided with the 8th anniversary, we decided to hear from you, dear constant listener to create a special episode to celebrate this great milestone with many more h...
Dec. 26, 2025

199 – The dying gasp of the Fiorentine Republic and the first duke

Episode Summary With Giovanni dalle Bande Nere gone, we return to Florence to witness the dramatic collapse of the centuries-old Florentine Republic and the emergence of Medici princely rule. Against the backdrop of the Sack ...
Dec. 9, 2025

198 - Giovanni dalle Bande Nere part 3: Pietro Aretino and shot down in a blaze of glory

In this episode, we trace the final chapters in the life of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, the last great condottiero of Renaissance Italy, and his unlikely, enduring friendship with the scandalous writer Pietro Aretino. From pol...
Nov. 11, 2025

197 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part II - The invincible very naughty boy

Episode Summary Picking up where we left off, Giovanni de’ Medici , son of Caterina Sforza and known to history as Giovanni of the Black Bands , continues his meteoric rise through the bloody and chaotic world of Renaissance ...
Nov. 1, 2025

Call for contributions: episode 200 and 8th anniversary

Hello You! for our 220th and 8th anniversary episode I thought I would invite contributions from the most VIP I could think of... YOU! So please send in a sound file or, if you don't feel like it, written message with a contr...
Oct. 21, 2025

196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

In this episode, we reunite with an old friend of the show — Caterina Sforza , the indomitable “Tigress of Forlì.” From her, we follow the turbulent and violent early life of her son, Giovanni de’ Medici , known as Il Gran Di...

About the Host

Mike Corradi Profile Photo
Mike Corradi

Host

Mike Corradi is an Anglo-Italian, born in the northern Piedmont region of Italy and brought up between the UK and the USA.
He has a degree in languages in literature, with a minor in History which has become his passion as he teaches English as his day job.

He also creates audio tours of Italian cities on the VoiceMap app.

He lives in the Emilia Romagna region with his wife and two children whose comedic acting skills you can find in the sketches that accompany the episodes.

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