Republic of Lucca

Quick Facts: Who was Republic of Lucca?

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Republic of Lucca

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A powerful medieval and early modern Italian republic centered in Lucca.

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Origins & Early Life

The Republic of Lucca (Italian: Repubblica di Lucca) was a medieval and early modern state that was centered on the Italian city of Lucca in Tuscany, which lasted from 1160 to 1805. Its territory extended beyond the city of Lucca, reaching the surrounding countryside in the north-western part of today's Tuscany region, to the borders with Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. The Republic of Lucca remained independent until 1799. Later the state continued to exist but was, de facto, dependent upon Napoleonic France, and ceased officially its existence in 1805, when it was transformed into the Principality of Lucca and Piombino. Within the Imperial Kingdom of Italy, the city of Lucca had been the residence of the Margraves of Tuscany until the time of Margrave Hugh.

Career & Major Achievements

A certain autonomy was granted by a 1084 diploma issued by Emperor Henry IV, while on his Italian campaign during the Investiture controversy with Pope Gregory VII. No feudal castle could be built in the range of 6 miles from the city wall. More privileges were granted by the following emperors. After the death of Margravine Matilda of Tuscany in 1115, the City of Florence began to constitute itself an independent commune, with an administration officially acknowledged by Margrave Conrad in 1120 and by Emperor Frederick in 1162. The city bought the feudal rights from Margrave Welf VI in 1160, hence became subject only to the emperors.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

For more than 500 years, Lucca remained as an independent republic. At the end of the 12th century, Lucca and other cities of Tuscany created an alliance to fight the neighbour feudal lords and subjugate their lands. This allowed Lucca and Florence in particular to control large territories and to compete for military supremacy in the region. The 13th century was characterised by political fights inside many communes, including Lucca. As a consequence, the republic witnessed the rise of the populist faction and change in government structure, as well as participating in a long series of wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1084: 1084 Milestone — A certain autonomy was granted by a 1084 diploma issued by Emperor Henry IV, while on his Italian campaign during the Investiture controversy with Pope Gregory VII.
2. 1115: 1115 Milestone — After the death of Margravine Matilda of Tuscany in 1115, the City of Florence began to constitute itself an independent commune, with an administration officially acknowledged by Margrave Conrad in 1120 and by Emperor Frederick in 1162.
3. 1160: 1160 Milestone — The Republic of Lucca (Italian: Repubblica di Lucca) was a medieval and early modern state that was centered on the Italian city of Lucca in Tuscany, which lasted from 1160 to 1805.
4. 1799: 1799 Milestone — The Republic of Lucca remained independent until 1799.
5. 1805: 1805 Milestone — Later the state continued to exist but was, de facto, dependent upon Napoleonic France, and ceased officially its existence in 1805, when it was transformed into the Principality of Lucca and Piombino.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Republic of Lucca

True or False: “The Republic of Lucca maintained its full, undisputed independence until the year 1799.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it remained independent until 1799, the text notes that later the state continued to exist but was de facto dependent upon Napoleonic France.

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