Medieval Italy

 The Middle Ages were a dark period of Italian  history. The  influence was severely hindered by the political and economic growth  of the north. Italy was also in continual struggles: Within the country the different noble families resorted to true Machiavellian politics in order to gain the seat of Vatican.

Throughout this period Rome continued to hold its prestige as "eternal city" . This was positive but also continued to attract the interest of invaders and looters such as the Saracens , the Normans and the most remembered of all: Charles V's invasion of 1527 known as “ the looting of Rome”.

Economic development in Europe had moved north and so Italy, being removed from the routes of commerce was at a disadvantage with respect to other lands such as France and Germany

The failing economy and the unstable system of internal rule governed by local feuds, warlords and clergy brought the population of Italy to exasperation and resulted in a change in politics that generated many city state,  the municipalities such as Milan, Venice and Florence.

As testimony of this dark period the landscape of Italy is littered with the remains of medieval fortifications which were used to defend local baronies. An example of this is the theatre of Marcellus by the Tiber in Rome, the Savelli family used the theatre as a fortress which they later transformed into a palace.

In 1300 the Pope proclaimed the first holy year which brought a great influx of pilgrims to the city of Rome and a much needed, although temporary, injection of life every were in the country and contributed to the economic and cultural rebirth of Italy.