How did Italy become the first trade area?

There seems to be an inaccuracy in your query. While Italy has a diverse geography with a unique coastline, mountains, rivers, plains, lakes, volcanoes, etc making it one of the most picturesque nation of modern times. There is no indication from history or research about Italy specifically being "**the first trade area. " Historically , various regions had emerged as important trading center at different time for different cultural & societal developments .