Founded in the 5th century a.d. by refugees fleeing the Lombard invaders who had gained control of the mainland, it became a major maritime power by the 13th century and spread its influence over northern Italy by the 15th century.

• 它在公元5世纪由逃离伦巴族侵略者的难民创建，这些侵略者已获得对大陆的控制权，到13世纪它已成为一个主要的海上强国并于15世纪把其影响扩及意大利的北部。