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When considering appearance of Italians, it is better to consider the genetic makeup. Even today, Italians seem to have a unique genetic makeup. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_history_of_Italy https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/science/13visual.html?_r=0 I found this quote rather shocking: So, despite the many barbarian invasions from the North, there appears to be very little outside impact on the genetic mix, except in the far South of Italy where the Greek influence (which mostly predated the Germanic invasions) is unmistakable. So, my guess is that modern Italians would be larger today because of diet and the increased opportunity to find a mate from outside one's immediate village. I would imagine, however, that the typical Italian today looks very similar (although larger in stature) to the average Ancient Roman from 1800 years ago. guy also known as gaius Addendum: I think genetic testing is making us all more humble, forcing us to realize our common humanity. I had to explain to one friend who was "100% Mexican" why her genetic testing results showed at least 25% Italian (as well as 40% Iberian as well as smaller percentages of Native American and African). She was surprised to learn that there wasn't a "Mexican" gene. Another friend who was "pure Italian" was shocked and disappointed to learn that she was mostly Greek, with some smallers percentage of African and Italian.