Italian: Toscana
Toscane, Tuskane
Tuscany is a region in central Italy, and it is the home of some of Italy’s famous cities and towns, including Florence (Firenze), Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and Arezzo.
Firenze was known for its mighty warriors. Emperor Lucius of Rome brought Tuscan soldiers with him when he waged war against King Arthur. Arthur later marched through Tuscany on his way to sack Rome. After Rome fell to Arthur, Arthur returned and captured all of Tuscany.
Tuscany | 1st century BC – 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st century BC – 5th century AD
Tuscany was part of ancient Etruria, inhabited by the Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization. With the expansion of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, Tuscany became part of the Roman province of Etruria. The Roman period brought urbanization, infrastructure, and the spread of Latin as the dominant language.
Decline of the Roman Empire | 5th century
The Western Roman Empire faced internal and external pressures, leading to its decline. Tuscany was affected by the upheavals of the time, including the incursions of various barbarian groups, such as the Visigoths and Ostrogoths (Goths).
Byzantine Rule | 6th – 8th centuries
During the sixth century, the Byzantine Empire regained control over some parts of Italy, including Tuscany, which was part of the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna, which governed central and northern Italy. The Byzantine influence included administrative and cultural aspects.
Frankish and Carolingian Period | 8th – 9th centuries
In the eighth century, Tuscany and much of Italy came under the control of the Frankish Empire. Charlemagne, the Frankish emperor, established the Carolingian administration in Italy, and Tuscany was part of this broader realm.
Sources
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470