Milan, a city rich in history and culture, has gone through many transformations over the centuries. Founded by the Insubri Gauls, it became an important Roman city and later a capital of the Western Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Milan was the scene of barbarian invasions and foreign domination, until it became a leading economic and cultural centre. Its history continues to influence the present, making it a fascinating and dynamic city.
If you only have a few seconds:
– Milan was founded by the Insubri Gauls and became Mediolanum under the Romans.
– During the Roman Empire, Milan became the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
– In the Middle Ages, Milan suffered barbarian invasions and was ruled by the Lombards and the Visconti.
– The modern age saw Milan under foreign domination, including Spanish and Napoleonic rule.
– In the 20th century, Milan was severely damaged during World War II but quickly recovered, becoming an economic and cultural centre.
The Origins of Milan
You can find out more about this period of the city at the Archaeological Museum.
Foundation by the Insubri Gauls
Milan was founded by the Insubri Gauls around 590 BC. This Celtic people chose an area near a sanctuary to establish their settlement, which they called Medhelan. Archaeological evidence from the 19th century shows that Milan began as a small village, which gradually grew over time.
Roman conquest and the birth of Mediolanum
In 222 BC, Roman legions conquered Milan, which was renamed Mediolanum. The ancient name of Milan is attested as Mediolanum in ancient Latin written sources. Despite an attempted rebellion by allying with Carthage, the Romans retained control of the city. By the end of the 1st century A.D., Milan was an integral part of Roman rule.
Strategic and commercial importance
Thanks to its geographical location, Milan became an important strategic and commercial centre. In fact, the city was ideally positioned for trade and communications, facilitating its economic and urban development.
Milan in the Roman Empire
To learn more about this period, you can read our Tour of Roman Milan.
Capital of the Western Roman Empire
In 286 A.D., Emperor Diocletian decided to move the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to Mediolanum, today’s Milan. This choice was dictated by the city’s strategic location, which allowed for more effective control of the northern provinces threatened by barbarian invasions. Mediolanum thus became the political and administrative heart of the Empire, with a series of monumental buildings testifying to its importance.
Edict of Milan and religious tolerance
In 313 A.D., Emperor Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius promulgated the Edict of Milan, a document that guaranteed religious freedom to all citizens of the Empire. This edict marked a historical turning point, as it allowed Christians to practise their faith freely without fear of persecution. Mediolanum thus became a centre of great importance for Christianity, attracting numerous believers and religious figures.
Urban and architectural development
During the imperial period, Mediolanum saw considerable urban and architectural development. The city was surrounded by a double circle of walls and within it were prestigious buildings such as the circus, the theatre and the Herculean baths. The main streets, such as today’s Via Manzoni, were well structured and interconnected, facilitating trade and mobility. The city expanded well beyond the Augustan walls, reaching as far as the modern Cerchia dei Navigli road circle.
The Middle Ages in Milan
The Barbarian Invasions
During the Middle Ages, Milan suffered numerous barbarian invasions. In 452, the city was sacked by the Huns, causing severe damage. Later, in 539, the Ostrogoths conquered Milan, bringing further devastation. These events deeply marked the city, which had to face periods of reconstruction and adaptation.
The rule of the Lombards
In 569, the Lombards took control of Milan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history. During this period, Milan lost part of its importance to Pavia, which became the new capital of Lombardy. However, the city continued to be an important centre, especially because of its strategic and commercial position.
The Visconti-Sforza Seigniory
With the advent of the Visconti Seigniory, Milan experienced a period of great development. The Visconti, a powerful noble family, succeeded in consolidating their power and turning Milan into one of the most influential cities in medieval Italy. During their rule, numerous buildings and fortifications were constructed, including the imposing Castello Sforzesco, which is still one of the main symbols of the city.
The Modern Age and Foreign Domination
Spanish domination
In 1535, with the death of Francesco II Sforza without an heir, the Duchy of Milan was annexed to the Spanish Empire. This marked the beginning of a long period of Spanish rule that lasted until 1713. During these years, Milan suffered oppressive control both ideologically and fiscally. However, the city also experienced a period of growth thanks to the irrigation of the Po River and the wool and silk trade.
The reforms of Maria Theresa of Austria
In 1713, with the Treaty of Utrecht, the Duchy of Milan came under Austrian control. Maria Theresa of Austria initiated a series of reforms that completely transformed the city. These included the foundation of the Teatro alla Scala and the Braidense National Library. Milan became a leading cultural and artistic centre with a strong urban development.
The Napoleonic occupation
In 1797, Napoleon’s troops entered Milan, turning it into the capital of the Cisalpine Republic. Napoleon proclaimed himself King of Italy in 1805 and Milan became the heart of his reign. During this period, the city experienced a cultural and economic renaissance, with important architectural and urban planning works.
The Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy
The Five Days of Milan
During the Risorgimento, Milan was the scene of crucial events. Among these, the Five Days of Milan (18-22 March 1848) represent one of the most significant moments. In those days, the city rose up against Austrian rule and temporarily succeeded in freeing itself. This episode is remembered as a symbol of resistance and desire for freedom for the whole of Italy.
Milan’s role in the Risorgimento
Milan played a central role in the Italian Risorgimento. The city was a focal point for the patriotic movements that aimed at the unification of Italy. Revolts and conspiracies against the Austrians, such as the one in 1853, demonstrated how strong the feeling of independence was. Milan became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and national unity.
Annexation to the Kingdom of Italy
After the Second War of Independence and the Peace of Zurich of 1859, Milan and Lombardy were annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia, which in 1861 became the Kingdom of Italy. This transition marked the end of Austrian rule and the beginning of a new era for the city and the entire nation. Milan, with its history of resistance and patriotism, was fundamental in the process of Italian unification.
Milan in the 20th century
On this period, you will find the Tour of 20th Century Milan on the following pages.
The bombings of the Second World War
During the Second World War, Milan suffered severe bombing damage. Many monuments were damaged and some completely destroyed. The city, however, managed to recover quickly.
The post-war economic miracle
In 1946, Milan began a period of strong economic and commercial development. This led the city to become the hub of Italy’s financial and economic activity. Milan led the country’s industrial development, forming with Turin and Genoa the ‘Industrial Triangle’.
The years of lead and the Milan of drinking
Between the 1970s and 1980s, Milan experienced a period of great turmoil. On the one hand, there were the ‘anni di piombo’, characterised by political and social tensions. On the other, the 1980s saw the birth of the ‘Milano da bere’, an era of opulence and fashion that transformed the city into one of the world’s leading industry hubs.