Although it seems that the Etruscans had occupied the territory of Siena, its foundation dates from the time of the emperor Augustus where a Roman colony was established under the name of Siena Julia.
The earliest document mentioning the city dates back to 70 AD in the Book IV of the Historiae of Tacitus. He reported the official visit of a Roman senator who was badly received there.
During the early Middle Ages, we know that a diocese was instituted there.
It was towards the 10th century that Siena took off to become an important medieval city, taking advantage of its advantageous position at the junction of commercial roads leading to Rome.
In the twelfth century, the city became a commune of consular type. It extends its territory and began to enter in conflict with Florence for the domination of the north of Tuscany.
In the first half of the twelfth century, Siena was an important commercial center, with good relations with the Church of Rome. Its bankers prospered, often offering their financing services to the Roman authorities.
At the end of the 12th century, Siena, who supported the Ghibelline cause for the Pope and against the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was again opposed to Florence. After a victorious start, this conflict turned to its defeat with the battle of the Colle del Val d’Elsa in 1287. The government then passed under the domination of the Guelphs with the establishment of the Government of the Nine. Under the administration of this government, Siena has reached the top of its splendor, both economically and culturally.
The slow decline of the Sienese Republic began after the plague of 1348. In 1555, the city went to the domination of Florence.
Into the same category
- SienaSiena is a medieval town in the heart of the green Tuscany, between the hills of Chianti and the hills of Crete Senesi, which today has about 54,000 inhabitants. It ...
- Tickets and guided tours in SienaInto the same category
- Interactive map of SienaInto the same category
- Hotels and accommodations in SienaHotels and accommodations in Siena
- Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo is undoubtedly one of the most harmonious squares in the world. Its layout lasted from 1293 to 1349. Its beautiful paving of red bricks is shell-shaped and split ...
- Palazzo Pubblico of SienaOn the Piazza del Campo square, the Palazzo Pubblico palace was built between 1297 and 1310 by the Government of the Nine as their own headquarters. Nowadays, it is still ...
- Cathedral of SienaThe Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most stunning and beautiful churches in Italy, with its white and black stones and marbles. It was built from 1136 to ...
- Museo CivicoThe Museum of the City of Siena, the Museo Civico, was installed in the year 1930. It is located on the first floor of Palazzo Pubblico. In addition to the ...
- The Palio of SienaThe Palio of Siena is a famous equestrian race which opposes the different districts of the city (called the contrade) since the middle ages. In the past, many Italian municipalities organized ...
- Weather in SienaWeather at 5 days in Siena Complete weather forecast in Siena Into the same category