History of the city

Siena developed into a flourishing commercial and banking centre around the Francstreet, which was continually rivaled by Florence. The free city republic of Siena enjoyed a time of prosperity during the 13th and 14th centuries.

According to legend, the city of Siena was founded by Senio, the son of Remo, the Roman she-wolf can even be found on the city's coat of arms.

Saena Julia

What started of as a rather unimportant Etruscan settlement became the colony Saena Julia during Roman times. It was later conquered by the Langobards and finally christianised.

The settlement later became an Episcopal see; its true heyday was during the Middle Ages however.

Commercial and production centre

Situated strategically on important trade roads, Siena developed into a flourishing commercial centre for wheat, wool and natural resources. The silver and ore mines in the nearby Colline Metallifere underlined the city's affluence.

Free commune with consuls

The citizens of Siena confidently opposed bishops and the aristocracy and declared it a free commune in 1147, long before Florence did the same.
Between 1125 and 1212, the consular government held the fate of the independent republic of Siena in its hands. Affluent businessmen, the land nobility and mine owners moved to the fortified city of Siena.

Continuous rivalries

There was much disaccord within the city walls, however. Noblemen fought against the new aristocracy, the individual municipal districts and the Contrade fought each other.

Siena also fought against Florence for centuries. In the bloody Conflict of Investitures, church against emperor, Siena supported a unified Italy under an emperor.

Bloody Conflict of Investitures

The Florentines, who were loyal to the Pope, propagated the territorial division of Italy to their benefit and Tuscany's autonomy. Two centuries were defined by this bitter conflict.

In a conflict over territory, power and prestige, Siena defeated Florence in the battle of Montaperti in 1260.

Nine years later, the Florentines were able to make up for their defeat and were victorious over Siena in the battle of the Colle Val d'Elsa.

Time of prosperity

The independent republic Siena experienced a period of prosperity during the 13th and 14th centuries. From 1287 until 1355, the citizen's Council of the Nine ruled Siena and enjoyed many years of peace.

Trade and the development of public finance brought affluence to the city. The magnificent townscape of Siena reflects the population's former standard of living.

Gothic and Sienese art

Siena is known as the centre of Gothic architecture. During this time, the dome Santa Maria and the Palazzo Pubblico and its high tower (1297) were build and the city's university was founded.

The Sienese art school, which later greatly influenced Italian art, also flourished during this phase.

Plague and crisis

The Black Death took its toll in 1348. Two thirds of the population died and the economy suffered greatly.

Political revolts shook the city republic. This, in addition to the merciless battles of the rivaling parties, brought an end to the city's time of prosperity.

Oldest existing bank in the world

Siena still played an important role in the world of finance however. The city's banks profited from their location on the Franconian Route during the Middle Ages.

In 1472, the Monte dei Paschi, the oldest existing bank in the world was founded in Siena. It was originally founded as a bank for farmers and shepards, to counteract the exploitative interest rates in other banks. The bank Monte dei Paschi also collected the Peter penny for the Vatican.

Conquest

After Emperor Carl V. conquered Florence, he switched his attention to Siena in 1530, but had to leave again due to a bitter defense by the population.
Later, Cosimo I. besieged the city for years, until it finally submitted to Florence in 1555. Some Sienese fled to Montalcino, which remained autonomous for another four years.

Dukedom and country

Siena was forced to join the dukedom of Tuscany. In 1865, it joined the newly established Kingdom of Italy.

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