Florence History

Florence's known history started with the establishment of a settlement for former Roman soldiers (Julius Caesar's veterans) in 59 BC. The name then was Florentia and Caesar allocated this fertile Arno valley soil to the veterans to keep them loyal.

Around the 4th century AD there were turbulent times as the Byzantine and Ostrogothic rule often meant that the city was besieged and ravaged. However, peace returned under the Lombard rule in the 6th century AD.

Florence then became part of the Duchy of Tuscany after being conquered by Charlemagne in AD 774. Lucca was the capital of this Duchy at the time.

The Golden Age of Florentine art began in AD 1013 with the construction of the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte. The area then revived and prospered under the Free Communes before being plunged back into internal strife in the 13th century struggle between the Ghibellines, supporters of the German emperor, and the pro-Papacy (Rome) Guelphs.

Restored twice with the support of both Emperor and the Pope, the Medici in 1537 became hereditary dukes of Florence, and in 1569 Grand Dukes of Tuscany, ruling for two centuries. Only Republic of Lucca, in the whole of Tuscany, was independent from Florence.

The end of the Medici line and the accession in 1737 of Francis Stephen, Duke of Lorraine and husband of Maria Theresa of Austria, led to Tuscany's inclusion in the territories of the Austrian crown. After Austrian rule cane French rule and later, in 1862, Tuscany became a province of the United Kingdom of Italy.

Florence replaced Turin as Italy's capital for 6 years from 1865 and hosted Italy's first parliament.

In November 1966 the Arno flooded parts of the centre of Florence and damaged many art treasures. There was no warning from the authorities who knew the flood was coming and irreparable damage was done to many treasures.

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