Key figures of Italian history and their secrets. Eighteen individuals, eighteen biographical sketches of people who lived and worked in the territory of present-day Italy, from ancient Rome to the present day. Women and men who dedicated their lives to politics, art, or science, sought adventure, or embraced the spirit of exploration. The names are familiar, these individuals have played key roles in the history of Italy, yet there are also lesser-known aspects about them, perhaps a bit strange, sometimes even shrouded in mystery. The short portraits delve into political beliefs, scientific ambitions, greed for wealth and power, and intrigues. The selection is, of course, subjective, and wherever the facts are not clear, or the data is not secure, speculation comes into play.