To put the entire history of Milan into an article of this size would be impossible, with all of its rich medieval relics, historical art treasures and more. Still, there are certain events and people that have molded the shape of this flawless Italian city. So there are three points chosen in this article: a point toward early Milanese history, a moment to acknowledge the middle of Milan history, and a look at the more recent Fascist Movement in Milan.

History of Milan’s Ties to Rome

There are not many ruins of the Roman Empire left in Milan. The ones that do exist include the Columns of San Lorenzo and Monastero Maggiore. Still, Milan was more than just another Roman conquest. In fact, according to historical experts, Milan was the capital for the Western Roman Empire in 286 A.D. Not only was Milan important in the economical and political spheres of Rome, but also in the religious realm. Milan was an important hub for the molding of the Christian religion. In 539 AD, however, this period of growth came to an end when the invaders from Asia and Northern Europe attacked the city.

The Families of Milan

Two of the most important and notable families in Milan include the Visconti family and the Sforza family. The Visconti family gained control of Milan after the democratic government was demolished and they were known as Milan’s “lords” from 1277 to 1447. The construction of the famous Duomo and Castle of Milan was started under their rule.

The year 1447 saw the beginning of changes in the Milanese political realm, as three years of “republican rule” were established. In 1450, Francesco Sforza, an in-law to the Visconti family had had enough. After taking over the city, the Sforza family ruled throughout the Renaissance period.

Recent Milan: Fascism

As with many other parts of Italy, Milan was a stronghold for the political party known as the Fascists. The founding of the party itself took place in Milan in 1919. According to most experts, there was not any solid opposition to the rise of a Fascist dictator, and there was a growing sense of nationalism. The reign of Mussolini was a time of grand architectural creations such as the Stazione Centrale and Trienne.