The Ancient Romans invented cement, heated floors to warm a home, paved roads, acquaducts, and much more. Then we can go into more "modern" times, if you care to.
The Romans were not “Italians”. Already stated.
Note how much of that “genius” disappeared after the Roman Empire. Gradual build-up over the millenia just as in the rest of Europe.
Those ‘Island Folk” had some pretty ‘advanced stuff’ for the time also...
Nobody in North America back then even had the WHEEL ! Also wheel wasn’t extant in Sub Saharan Africa, and Australia. As for ‘arts’ same goes for reading—no books, library..
Yeh, some spots were really ahed of others....