As title, I was recently playing a game of Crusader Kings and I got to thinking, Italian culture, unless I'm mistaken (which I probably am) only really became a thing after the Lombard invasions of the roman empire, my limited knowledge of ancient history is telling me that it would be more likely that the Romans would identify with Greek culture, considering the Greeks mostly retained their culture until the 1400s. whereas due to invasions and new rulership, culture was changing quickly in Italy every couple hundred years.

This is mostly just brainstorming, I know next to nothing about Romans pre-1000s. but would be interested to learn! thanks for any replies in advance.

Also, sorry if this is in the wrong place, first time poster!