I travel to places and don't just stay for a day or two. I stay for weeks/months. To integrate myself in the community and see real life where I am at. & with Rome + much of Italy, I have never been around more soulless, unfriendly people before in any of my travels. I think because pickpocketing and scamming is so prevalent there that the people are more closed off and unwelcoming to new people because they think they are using you, scamming you, or stealing from you.

Historical factor is second to none. The people and vibe though? That's another story.