As to Italians, modern day Italians are descended from the ancient Romans, but there are also a lot of other strains added to the mix. After Rome fell, Italy would not be a united state again until 1870. Various Germanic tribes moved in to conquer part of Italy-- most notably the Lombards, who give their name to a region in modern italy that includes Milan. But the Eastern Empire (Greeks) conquered much of the south and ruled Rome and Ravenna for centuries. Muslims conquered Sicily and Normans most of Sicily and southern Italy during the Middle Ages. There was also some French and Austrian influence as well. All of these peoples left their mark on modern day Italy and Italians.