Legend has it that Siena was founded by Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, Romulus famous brother, with whom he founded Rome. Statues of the she-wolf that eats the twins are scattered throughout Siena, but without a historical foundation! Instead it is certain that the Romans had established in 30 AD an outpost named Siena, which developed in the years to follow in a small center of trade.
I Lombardi arrived in the sixth century d.C. and later also the Franks ruled the city. Were carried out major works, among which the most important was the creation of the Via Francigena, the road linking Rome to France, traveled by pilgrims and travelers, and this greatly increased the commercial importance of Siena. At that time the Church was actively involved in city government, particularly between the ninth and eleventh century, after which the Sienese demanded their right to govern and administer their city.
The growing economic and military power of the city gave rise to inevitable clashes between Siena and Florence, when both sought to expand their territories. There firono many battles between the two cities between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries: some were won by Siena, but Florence was able to prevail and Siena was incorporated in the territory and in the administration of Florence.
Despite the disputes, outside with neighbors and within the Government, in the years between 1150 and 1300, the great artists had the opportunity to flourish and the town was adorned with beautiful monuments such as the Duomo, Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. Behind the implementation of many of these works, still known and visible, it was often the Council of Nine, a munificent governing body, active mid-thirteenth century. Unfortunately, just as the citizens of Siena were planning an expansion of the Cathedral, an outbreak of plague struck the city, killing the 3 / 5 of the population. The recovery of cities as a result was slow and difficult.
A diverse group of leaders, including Emperor Charles V and Cosimo I de 'Medici, between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries gave rise to the economic strength of Siena, thanks to the famous bank of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which ensured use and security to citizens of Siena over the centuries. In the last century when Italy became a republic, Sienna has become part of the Tuscany region and now thrives on the combination between finance and tourism, thanks to its wonderful artistic heritage. |
