History Of Trieste

Much of the history of Trieste is based on legend. Rumour has it that the city was founded by Tergeste, a friend of Jason and the Argonauts, although others say that it was Noah and his son Japhet who first landed on the shores and created a new kingdom. Scientific facts show that the city was founded by pro-Veneto tribes who set up pre-historic settlements.

Roman rule

The Romans soon realised the strategic importance of the city of Trieste and sent their legions to conquer it. They defeated the Istri and left a number of bases dotted around the city. The ancient Roman Tergeste colony was formed in 178 BC. The settlement’s introduction into the Latin world led to commercial and communication growth, urban development and new cultures being born. Thirty BC saw the first road developed in Trieste, allowing further growth and contact with other cities.

Christianity, which reached Trieste towards the end of the 1st century AD, was subject to mass persecution. Guisto was one of the religious martyrs of this time, who was later to become the patron saint of Trieste.

Barbarian invasions and unsettled times.

Many invasions by ‘barbarians’ followed the fall of the Western Empire and the city was brought under the control of the Goths. The Goths were subsequently driven out by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, but this rule did not stand the test of time, as many years of conflict and confusion followed. In the 9th century, the people of Trieste signed a decree to attempt to protect themselves from the violence of the times, but it failed and the people were subjected to many more years of battles and conquests.

In 1202, Trieste was forced to swear allegiance to Venice. The people of Trieste rebelled against this with the help of the patriarchs of Aquileia, causing a long period of war between them and Venice.

Recognised freedom and prosperity

The city was re-taken by the Venetians after the War of Chiogga in 1381, but the people of Trieste managed to gain recognition of their freedom and this marked the start of a long period of prosperity for the city.

Many businessmen and merchants arrived in the city from all across Europe, posing a threat to the locals; however, the businessmen positioned themselves under the protection of the Austrians and began a political relationship that lasted for over 500 years.

Desperate times

Spanish armies conquered the city in the 16th century and with the new rule began a time of disease and famine. Many of the locals died and for a while there seemed to be no way out of the desperate situation the city had found itself in.

Luckily, in the 18th century, Trieste was given the status of ‘Free Port’, which saw an immediate rise in the standards of living and a therefore a huge increase in the population.

At the end of the 18th century, Trieste was briefly occupied by Napoleon’s armies, but this only lasted for three years.

Modern times

By the end of WWI, relations with Austria broke down and on the 3rd November 1918, Italy regained rule over the city.

The end of WWII saw more tension regarding Trieste’s rule. The city was ruled for nine years under an Anglo-American military government until finally, an international compromise was reached. Trieste was handed over to the Italians in October 1954.