The Tuscan region has a rich and far- reaching history dating back to the primitive settlements of pre-historic times. The first century BC Etruscan civilizations advanced the area considerably, creating rudimentary infrastructure such as roads and clearing away swampland, and introducing mining, farming and other trade. The Etruscans were largely wiped out by the Romans and others, but vestiges of the language and art remained following the Roman colonisation of Tuscany.
Conflict between the feudal rulers and the Papacy of the Holy Roman Empire led to instability for many centuries in the area of Tuscany and throughout Italy. By the end of the Middle Ages, the commune of Florence was thriving, with much importance given to finance and the arts.
Banking was vital to the success of the region, and during the 15th century, the Medici family rose in power, eventually transforming Florence into a principality and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The Medici dynasty ended in the early 1700s, following which the core of power was shifted around. At one point, Tuscany was annexed to the French Empire before being returned to Italy.
Tuscany’s modern history begins in 1860 when it joined a united Italy. Florence became the capital city if Italy for a five year period between 1865 and 1870. Rapid population growth combined with urbanization and greater industrialization followed, leading eventually to the rise of Fascism in the 1920s. Damage from the ensuing WWII was extensive, with much of the front- line fighting occurring within the borders of Tuscany. Despite resistance during the way and in the reconstruction phase that followed, Tuscany has mellowed to its current state embracing both a storied past and an optimistic future.