This wider view of Florence includes the city wall. The history of the city goes back to Roman times when Julius Caeser rewarded loyal veterans of the army with plots of fertile land along the Arno River. The original plot distribution can still be seen in how the central part of the city is broken up into blocks. The city grew and by the 3rd century had become an important trade center being at a crossroads in trading routes from north to south and east to west. Unlike many medieval cities, Florence was not completely walled. As a City-State Florence had many years of peace but as you can see from this angle there was a significant wall built that runs from Fort Belvedere to the river. Italy was not a country until the late 1800s--only a region. Florence was one of many City-States, a country with its own political system. For over 200 years, from the late Middle Ages until the 1700s, Florence was ruled almost continuosly by The De' Medici Family. Their appreciation for arts and music started the Humanist movement and its revivle of ancient and classic knowledge gave the world the renaissance. As you will read, the family's influence is still felt today in this busy and vibrant city.
