History

In the 4th century B.C. Liguria was united to the region of Emilia while occupied by Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was conquered by the Byzantines and renamed Provincia Maritima Italorum. By the 10th century, Liguria was under conrol of the Franks and divided it into 3 feudal territories called Arduinica (in the west), Aleramica (in the center) and Obertenga (in the east). Once the feudal structure weakened, the city-state of Genova became the most powerful maritime republic in the Mediterranean. The Republic of Genova went through periods of success and indepedence, but also struggled and fell under foreign control. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna annexed Liguria to the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1821, Liguria was reunited with Italy after Ligurians rose against the Sardinians. The region soon experienced economic growth that was the changed to poverty when Liguria came under German control during World War II. Two years later, the German surrendered thair control and Liguria was again free.