When was the earliest possible chance for the unification of the Italian peninsula after the fall of Rome? There were few times in the Middle Ages when various rulers, be it Lombards of Franks controlled (most of) it, but the area soon fragmented into various city states, republics and duchies.
Was there a possibility for a real, united and independent Italian kingdom in the Early Medieval Era and later?
If so, how it would affect the development of Italy? In OTL, competition among various states made it prosperous. With a unified kingdom, many cities that were prominent in OTL would surely develop differently.
I have virtually no knowledge of Italian history, so are there any takers?
Was there a possibility for a real, united and independent Italian kingdom in the Early Medieval Era and later?
If so, how it would affect the development of Italy? In OTL, competition among various states made it prosperous. With a unified kingdom, many cities that were prominent in OTL would surely develop differently.
I have virtually no knowledge of Italian history, so are there any takers?