The history of Florence

Florence isone of the world's most historically and culturally rich cities. Founded by theRomans in the 1st century BC, it became an important commercial and culturalcenter during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The city was the birthplaceof great artists, scientists, and thinkers such as Dante Alighieri, Leonardo daVinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei. Florence was also the cradle of theMedici family, which profoundly influenced the politics, art, and culture ofthe city. Today, Florence is renowned for its museums, historic monuments, andRenaissance architecture.