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ΤΗΕ THE PEOPLE OF ROME When Rome became the capital of the newly united Italy in 1870, its population was 200,000. It was only the third largest Italian city after

Milan in the north and Naples in the south. The population soon increased, and by 1936 Rome was the largest city in Italy.

Noble families Some Roman families have existed for many generations. The Colonna dynasty claims to go back as far as the Etruscan s . Others, such as the Corsini, Orsini and Aldobrandini families, became powerful during the Renaissance . These families kept private armies, and they often fought each other. Many popes came from these mighty dynasties.

Everyday life on the Via del Corso. Many Romans get around the city on motorbikes and mopeds (see page 28). ⌂

Keeping up appearances Visitors to Italy are often amazed at how stylish the Italian people are. Most Romans take great pride in their appearance, and try to look their best at all times. This is known in Italy as la bella figura (“keeping up appearances”). Appearance is so important that in 1989 the city of Rome introduced a law allowing the police to fine anyone in a public place who is not properly dressed— for example a man without a shirt.

Shoppers and diners on Via Della Vite, one of the many busy and fashionable streets of Rome. ⌂

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