Editing Como (section)

==History==

[[File:Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot - Como and Lake Como.jpg|thumb|left|''City and Lake Como'', a painting by [[Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot]], 1834]]

===Ancient Foundations===

The hills surrounding modern Como have been inhabited since the [[Iron Age]], originally by the [[Celt]]ic [[Orobii]] tribe. These people, according to [[Pliny the Elder]] and contemporary scholars, had connections with the [[Ligurian (ancient language)|Ancient Ligurians]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Peron |first=Ettore Maria |title=Storia di Como |date=July 2017 |publisher=Edizioni Biblioteca dell'immagine |isbn=9788863912685 |edition=First |location=Pordenone |publication-date=2017 |pages=4 |trans-title=History of Como}}</ref><ref name="Luraschi 1999 5">{{Cite book |last=Luraschi |first=Giorgio |title=Storia di Como Antica |publisher=Edizioni New Press |year=1999 |isbn=8895383834 |edition=Second |location=Como |publication-date=1999 |pages=5 |trans-title=Ancient History of Como}}</ref> a group culturally similar to the Celts.  Settlement remains can still be found on the wooded hills southwest of the city, particularly in the [[Rebbio]] district.  The Breccia and Prestino areas, along with neighboring [[San Fermo della Battaglia]] and [[Cavallasca]], also show evidence of the [[Golasecca culture]],<ref name="Luraschi 1999 5"/> dating back to the Iron Age.  Later, a second Celtic migration brought Gaulish tribes, notably the [[Insubres]], to the Como region.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Peron |first=Ettore Maria |title=Storia di Como |date=July 2017 |publisher=Edizioni Biblioteca dell'Immagine |isbn=9788863912685 |edition=First |location=Pordenone |publication-date=2017 |pages=7 |trans-title=History of Como}}</ref>

Around the 1st century BC, the Romans asserted their dominance over the territory.  Although the original settlement was located in the hills, [[Julius Caesar]] ordered the town moved to its present lakeside location.  He directed the draining of the marsh near the lake's southern tip and implemented a typical Roman grid plan for the walled city, with streets intersecting at right angles.  The newly established town, named ''Novum Comum'', was granted the status of ''municipium'', a self-governing Roman city.  In a significant archaeological find in September 2018, hundreds of [[gold coin]]s dating to 474 AD were discovered in the basement of the former Cressoni Theater.  These coins, minted during the reigns of Roman Emperors [[Honorius (emperor)|Honorius]] and others, were contained in a two-handled [[soapstone]] [[amphora]], providing valuable insights into the late Roman era in the region.<ref name="2018-09-10_NPR">[https://www.npr.org/2018/09/10/646445359/hundreds-of-roman-gold-coins-found-in-theater-basement Hundreds Of Roman Gold Coins Found In Theater Basement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131322/https://www.npr.org/2018/09/10/646445359/hundreds-of-roman-gold-coins-found-in-theater-basement |date=12 September 2018 }}, Shannon Van Sant, [[NPR]], 2018-09-10</ref>

===Medieval Era: From Lombard Rule to the Rise of the Commune===

Following the [[fall of the Western Roman Empire]], Como's history mirrored that of Lombardy, experiencing periods of control by the [[Goths]], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantines]], and later the [[Langobards]].  The [[Langobards]], a Germanic people originating from Scandinavia, profoundly impacted the region after their arrival in the [[Po Valley]] in 568 AD under King [[Alboin]].  They established the [[Lombard Kingdom]], initially encompassing Northern Italy and later expanding to include Tuscany and parts of Southern Italy.  Under Lombard rule, Como prospered, largely due to the reconstruction of Queen Theudelind's road, a crucial trade route connecting [[Germany]] and the [[Italian Peninsula]], enhancing Como's strategic and commercial importance.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zanella |first=Antonio |title=Paolo Diacono, La storia dei longobardi |date=16 October 1991 |publisher=Rizzoli |isbn=978-8817168243 |trans-title=Paul the Deacon, the History of the Langobards}}</ref>

In 774, Como surrendered to the invading [[Carolingian Empire|Franks]] led by [[Charlemagne]], becoming a significant center for trade.<ref name="lombardiabeniculturali.it">{{cite web | url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/?view=toponimi&hid=0 | title=Comune di Como, sec. XI - 1757 – Istituzioni storiche – Lombardia Beni Culturali | access-date=5 March 2024 | archive-date=12 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053521/https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/?view=toponimi&hid=0 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Millano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=29–36 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Chronicles of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  The [[Medieval commune|Commune]] of Como emerged in the 11th century, evolving from an association of prominent families bound by treaty and oath. This communal structure, initially exclusive to noble families, broadened over time to include all free male citizens, strengthening Como's political independence and the authority of its bishop.  The bishop became the de facto leader, while a citizen assembly convened in the "Broletto" (Town Hall), initially composed of nobles and later including representatives from guilds.  The Commune established its own laws governing various aspects of urban life, from commerce and agriculture to law enforcement and taxation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Piano delle regole |url=https://www.comune.como.it/export/sites/default/it/doc/pgt/piano-delle-regole/relazione-piano-delle-regole/x0.5.1xComo_Pgt_PianoRegole_Pagine_279_311.pdf |access-date=5 March 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002220709/https://www.comune.como.it/export/sites/default/it/doc/pgt/piano-delle-regole/relazione-piano-delle-regole/x0.5.1xComo_Pgt_PianoRegole_Pagine_279_311.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Commune's territory encompassed the entire Diocese of Como, extending beyond the city itself to include a vast area including much of the modern Province of Como, Canton Ticino, and parts of Valtellina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almini |first=Saverio |date=2005-01-19 |title=Lombardia Beni Culturali: Diocesi di Como |trans-title=Lombardy cultural heritage: the Diocese of Como |url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3101278/ |website=Lombardia Beni Culturali |language=it |type=History page of a Regional Government's Heritage department}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Millano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=29–36 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Cronicles of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  Strategically positioned on Lake Como and benefiting from the Road of Queen Theudelind, Como rapidly grew into a wealthy and influential town.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della Guerra Decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |location=Gorgonzola |pages=15–19 |language= |trans-title=The Cumano, cronicle of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>

This prosperity, however, led to rivalry with Milan. Milan's expansionist ambitions culminated in the [[War of Milan against Como|Decennial War between Como and Milan]] (1118-1127).  Despite initial Comaschi successes, Milan ultimately triumphed, devastating Como in 1127, sparing only churches.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=63–152 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Cronicle of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  Despite this setback, Como's fortunes were revived by [[Frederick Barbarossa]], who restored its independence and supported the rebuilding of its defenses, including town walls and the [[Baradello]] castle.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano. Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |year=2013 |isbn=9788887867459 |location=Como |publication-date=2013 |trans-title=The Cumano. Chronicles of the Ten-Year War Between Como and Milan (1118-1127)}}</ref> Como remained aligned with the [[Ghibellines]], even as other Lombard communes formed the pro-papal [[Lombard League]]. Emperor Frederick I formally recognized the Commune of Como in 1175, granting it significant autonomy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/ | title=Comune di Como, sec. XI - 1757 – Istituzioni storiche – Lombardia Beni Culturali | access-date=5 March 2024 | archive-date=12 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053523/https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===The Rusca Lordship and Subsequent Periods===

The [[Guelphs and Ghibellines|Ghibelline]] Rusca family rose to prominence in Como during the 13th and 14th centuries, vying for power with the [[Vitani family]].  They briefly established a lordship over Como and its territories, but ultimately, in 1335, Milan, under [[Azzone Visconti]], reasserted control, annexing Como to the [[Duchy of Milan]].  Brief periods of independence followed, including the establishment of the "Republic of Saint Abundius" in 1447, but by 1450, Como was definitively incorporated into the Duchy of Milan under Francesco Sforza.<ref name="lombardiabeniculturali.it"/>

Subsequently, Como's history was intertwined with the Duchy of Milan, experiencing French invasion, Spanish rule, and Austrian control until the Napoleonic era.  Napoleon's rule lasted until 1815, after which Austrian dominion was reinstated following the [[Congress of Vienna]]. By 1848, Como's population reached 16,000.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge Vol IV |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=811}}</ref> In 1859, with [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]]'s arrival, Como became part of the newly unified [[Italian unification|Kingdom of Italy]].

In the 20th century, Como witnessed a significant historical event at the end of World War II.  [[Benito Mussolini]], attempting to escape to Switzerland, was captured and executed by partisans in [[Giulino di Mezzegra]], near Lake Como. In the 21st century, Como remains a vital city in Lombardy, economically linked to Milan and increasingly reliant on tourism.