Middle Ages

Middle Ages (general information)


The history of Italy in the middle ages was turmoil because the Ostrogoth’s invasion led to the gothic war. This war destroyed Italy and, at the end, the Lombards took control.
Constantinople helped the popes protect Rome from the Lombards, letting the popes create the Papal States.
In the ages of Charlemagne the southern cities economy started to improve. (Trading increased)
The beginning of the Renaissance turned the Italian cities into places of culture and knowledge. They also expanded and grew in power.
The Italian Renaissance began in Tuscany, and then it spread south. During this period several families ruled the cities (Sforza, Mecidis, Albizzi, etc.) and transformed the still medieval cities into modern places.
In 1378 the papacy returned to Rome.
Foreign invasions of Italy (Italian Wars) continued for several decades, for example the French invasion in 1494.