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Back in time, Milan was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. Nowadays, only a few traces of the Roman period remain in the city.

One of the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire was the barbaric invasions coming from Northern Europe and Asia. In 539 AD Milan was sacked and its role of capital was lost. 

During the XII century a remarkable independence movement - called the Comuni, developed in many towns of Northern Italy. The Comuni fought against the hegemony of the German emperors. Milan economically dominated in the region and has played a major role in the Comuni movement.

The period of democratic government came to an end when power was seized by the old Milanese Visconti family from 1277 to 1447. They gave the city political and cultural supremacy and international renown.  Under Visconti rule, the construction of the Duomo and of the Castle began.

After 1447 there were 3 years of republican rule. In 1450, Francesco Sforza, son-in-law of the last Visconti duke and captain of the Milanese army, took over command of Milan. The Sforza family's rule coincided with the Renaissance years in the country.

In the early XVI century, Northern Italy became one of the territories contested by the French and the Spanish monarchies. The Spanish prevailed, and the city was governed by them for nearly two centuries.

The great European wars of the late XVII and early XVIII centuries brought Milan under the domination of the Austrian Imperial dynasty of the Hapsburgs. The city experienced a recovery which encompassed its economy, the functioning of its public administration, culture and arts, education and scientific development.

During the wars that followed the French Revolution of 1789, Milan came under French control. It became capital of the Cisalpine Republic and, thereafter, of the so-called 'Regno Italico', which was governed by relatives of Napoleon and comprised nearly the whole of Northern Italy.                         

In 1815 the Austrians returned to Milan after Napoleon's defeat. In 1848 the city rebelled against the Austro-Hungarians. In 1859 it became part of the Savoy Kingdom.   

In the Kingdom of Italy Milan rapidly became a financial and industrial centre. The city center of Milan was soon taken over by banks and insurance companies.

In 1919 in Milan was founded the Fascist party. During Fascism were built the Stazione Centrale (Central Station) and the Triennale.

Milan has emerged as Italy's major centre for commerce, finance, publishing and as the country capital of the fashion, design, media and advanced service sectors.