Italy, the land of the Etruscan civilization, Magna Graecia and especially the Roman Republic and Empire has deeply influenced the European history and culture. The ancient name "Italia" has unclear origin but most probably derives from the ethnonym of the tribe that inhabited the southernmost part of the Apennine peninsula. Their name was "Itali" after the Greek word "Italoi" with the meaning of veal or calf since the peninsula was rich with bovine. Being the heart of the Roman Empire that dominated the ancient world for many centuries, Italy was very active to the European philosophy, science and art during the Medieval times and the Renaissance. Today the country has an enormous wealth of historical sites that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.