Bologna Emilia-Romagna, Italy 1000 BC - present
History: ● Founded by Villanovans around 1000 BC. ● Part of the Etrurian territories from 600 BC to ~200 BC. Named as Felsina. ● Conquered by the Celts around 400 BC. ● Conquered by the Roman Empire in 200 BC, to which it fought a rebellion to support Hannibal’s famous unsuccesful invasion of Rome. ● After the rebellion, the Roman Empire sacked the city, then renamed as Bononia.
History: ● After the fall of Rome, Bononia changed hands until it was conquered by the Holy Roman Empire in 774 AD, under Charlemagne’s rule. ● During the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries AD, Bologna became one of the major powers in Italy, as a free citystate. It became famous for its development of arts and architecture - the ● In this period, the first University of the world, the University of Bologna, was founded (1088 AD). Dante Alighieri was one of its most famous students.
History: â—? Bologna abolished slavery in 1256 AD (!). It also built a great number of towers throughout the whole city, possibly around 180, as it started a period of unrest between several families living in the city, which were divided in supporters of the Pope (known as Guelphs) and supporters of the Holy Roman Empire (known as Ghibellines). â—? Another flourishing period for the city was that of the Renaissance, during which it became a major attraction for all kinds of artists.
History: ● It was also known for its modern take on freedom policies: Women in the city were allowed to excel in any profession, even in the University. ● The black plague, the Napoleonic Wars, and then WWI and WWII ended virtually all progress in the city, although it developed as an industrial power. ● After WWII, Bologna became a stronghold for the Communist Party, remaining as such until today.
Famous spots: Basilica de San Petronio (1390 AD)
Famous spots: The Two Towers (1109 and 1119 AD)
Famous spots: Palazzo del PodestĂ (1200 AD)
Famous spots: Archiginnasio di Bologna (~1560 AD)
Famous spots: Piazza Maggiore (1400 AD)
Famous spots: Fontana di Nettuno (1567 AD)