14 Reasons We Owe Italy A Debt Of Gratitude

Italy is responsible for a surprisingly large number of the world's greatest things. Here are 14 awesome Italian innovations, including some we simply couldn't do without, brought to you by the FIAT® 500L.

1. For upping the world's style game.

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Italy has always been stylish as hell.

2. And inventing eyeglasses.

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Glasses have been helping attractive people look smarter since the end of the 1200s.

3. For canals as a mode of transportation.

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And a place to throw tourists.

4. For coming up with bocce ball.

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The favorite sport of 90-year-olds and an easy game to play after a few beers.

5. And inventing the piano.

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The modern piano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori around 1700.

6. For ballet.

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Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and was later popularized in France and Russia.

7. And other ambiguously erotic art.

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Italy perfected the art of sculpting naked bodies.

8. For the Renaissance.

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Without Italy, we also wouldn't have the artists that inspired the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

9. For popularizing sexy art films.

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Where would film be without names like Leone, Bertolucci, and Fellini?

10. And for making scooters cool.

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Italy made driving around on a tiny, low-powered motorbike seem like the coolest thing ever.

11. For figuring out that coffee is meant to be strong.

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The process for making espresso was patented in Turin in 1884.

12. And for developing the mass production of wine.

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Which comes in handy when you're having an especially rough day.

13. For spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli... basically all pasta.

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Capellini, fusilli, ziti.... So much pasta.

14. And perhaps the biggest contribution of all: Pizza

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If it weren't for Italy, there would be no pizza. So, thank you, Italy!

With this amazing track record, we should all be happy the Italians are coming!