Italy has been the eternal birthplace of empires intent on conquest. Ancient Rome was a great world empire and had a profound influence on all those who flowed in her wake — just think in terms of architecture, government, and language. But what many people don't know is just how many countries Italy has actually invaded?

Since the Romans, Italy has fought or done peacekeeping duty in at least fifty different countries, or 26 percent of the world. Just five years ago, they were involved in peacekeeping missions in an impressive twenty-two different nations. Authors Christopher Kelly and Stuart Laycock take their readers on an astonishing third tour of military history after the success of their first two books, America Invades and All the Countries We've Ever Invaded. From the Pope's Machine Gun to General Custer's Last Stand, Italy Invades: How Italians Conquered the World, uncovers more fascinating facts about Italian influence in shaping the world we know today. With personal photos, maps and an index to assist readers, Italy Invades is an instant treasure for all fans of Italian and military history.

"The first response I get when people learn I'm writing a book about Italian military history is, 'that'll be the world's shortest book!'", says Kelly. "It's true the Italian fighting spirit has been much maligned over the years, but I believe it's time for a reevaluation and Italy Invades provides a glimpse into a small but formidable nation with a long and important military history."

Italy Invades outlines Italian military activity around the globe, from the ancient Romans up to the present day. This popular history documents many of the little-known triumphs, tragedies and even oddball involvement of Italian forces and reveals how:

- Italian explorers played a major role in the Middle Ages and the centuries afterwards, opening up the world to contact with Europe
- The design for the American Pentagon is based on Italian star fortification plans used during the Renaissance
- The Italians have often been at the forefront of military science and engineering
- The map of Roman military conquests influenced the development of languages around much of the world
- The largest invasion in world history has an Italian name
- And much more!

"Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations that,'life is warfare, and a visit in a strange land,'" adds Kelly. "I hope that readers will enjoy exploring the many lands that Italian warriors have visited over an amazing history."