Florence [antikvár]

ÍA BIT of HISTORYPerspective map known as "della Catena," "Firenze corti 'era " Museum Piazza della Repubblica, Column of Abundance, ori the site of the ancient Romanforum Castagna Tower Taberaacle of S. Maria della Tromba (Palazzo dell'Arte della Lana) Ruins of the 14lh-century walls with the Mascherino TowerThough its origins are Etruscan, Florence was actually founded in 59 B.C. by the Romans who built an encampment along the Arno River called Florentia. You can still make out the ancient cardus and decumanus in Piazza della Repubblica near the Column of Abundance between Via Roma-Via Calimala (cardus maximus) and Strozzi-Via del Corso (decumanus maximus). Even the city's partition into 4 sections dates back to Roman times. During the barbarian invasions, Florence was besieged by the Ostrogoths (405), though its towering walls kept the invad-ers from entering the city. Then came the Byzantines (535) and flnally the Goths, who captured Florence in 541. During the Carolingians (8111 cent.), the city became part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was later controlled by Countess Matilde of Canossa. In 1115, when the Countess died, Florence was able to transform itself into an independent commune governed by influential rich merchants, powerful members of the clergy, and prominent no-ble families.The city was often divided between two factions: the Guelphs (loyal to the Pope) and the Ghibellines (supporters of the Emperor). These two factions repeatedly/FIORENZA |