In the Sopranos there was a scene where Tony and his gang are torturing a Jewish guy who owes them money or something. The Jewish guy says something about how hateful people will always get their downfall and says something like "Look at the Roman Empire. Where are the mighty Romans today?" And then Tony says something badass like, "You're looking at them, motherfucker." And then they drill his kneecaps or whatever.
So, how true is that statement? Are modern Italians direct descendants of the citizens of Rome? Thanks in advance!
When you consider European heritage keep in mind that for many generations family groups were conquered, had to migrate, stayed in the same place, and then migrated again. Every time new genes were incorporated into the mix. So are modern Romans descended from ancient ones? Some of them probably are, to a small degree. Could anyone prove they were related to a Ceaser? Probably not.