Milan History

Milan’s rich history spans nearly 2,000 years and many fantastic landmarks and monuments remain as testament to its colourful past. For a city that was lost from the Italian people on occasion, Milan has grown up to be one of the country’s most prominent commercial powerhouses.

Early years

The name Milan comes from the ancient Roman name of the settlement, Mediolanum, which was captured by the imperialists from the early Celtic settlers in 222 BC. As with other urban centres that the Romans took control of, Milan flourished and became an important centre for the growing Christian religion. Later on, Milan lost much of its power in the region, yet regained status in the 12th century when its people showed incredible resolve to rebuild the economy.

Foreign control

Milan became a republic in 1447 for just three years, after which point Francesco Sforza took over in 1450. At the end of Sforza rule, Spain took control of Northern Italy and governed the entire region for almost two centuries until the early 1700s.

Further turmoil for the local people of Milan ensued in the 18th century, when the city came under control of the French and later the Austrian imperialists. The Austrians were eventually repelled with a great Franco/Italiano effort and a time of relative equilibrium and prosperity followed.

Modern times

The Fascist party was founded in Milan after WWI in 1919 and remained in control until Mussolini’s death in 1945. Much of the city was destroyed during allied bombing in WWII and Milan headed the general reconstruction effort of the nation to become a major centre for commerce and industry.

Today, Milan retains this economical might and is also a centre for fashion and banking in Italy, making it perhaps the nation’s most influential city. Many historical landmarks remain or were restored after WWII bombing including the Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco.