Concept emerged from Constantine's move of capital to Constantinople. Moscow was initially seen as "Third Rome" after 1453. Ivan III claimed Byzantine Empire's legacy through Sophia Paleologue. Philoteus declared "Two Romes have fallen, the third stands" in 1510
Hitler admired Mussolini's 1922 march on Rome, leading to his appointment as prime minister. Mussolini provided financial support to Nazi Party and allowed SA/SS training. Hitler publicly acknowledged Mussolini's rise to power in 1933
"Duce" derives from Latin "dux" meaning 'leader'. Term first used in 1860 to praise Giuseppe Garibaldi. Victor Emmanuel III used "Duce Supremo" during World War I
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology based on nationalism and militarism. Term "fascismo" comes from Italian "fascio" meaning 'bundle of sticks'. Emerged in early 20th-century Europe, first in Italy during World War I
Italy joined Axis Powers in 1940 after France's surrender. Italy aimed to conquer British colonies in North Africa and Middle East. Italy's industrial strength was weak compared to other European powers. Italy's military was depleted with outdated equipment and limited resources
Born in 1883 in Dovia di Predappio, Italy. Father was a blacksmith and socialist, mother was a Catholic schoolteacher. Studied philosophy in Switzerland, influenced by Nietzsche and Sorel. Became teacher and journalist, published radical socialist newspaper Avanti!