Ancient History
See the page on Ancient Spoleto.
Early Christianity
Spoletium was well-established as a Christian diocese by 354, when Pope Liberius wrote to Bishop Caecilianus of Spoletium seeking his support in a theological dispute with the Emperor Constantius. A number of sarcophagi and funerary inscriptions lead us to the early cemetery churches that ringed the city in the early days of Christianity, most of which were rebuilt in the 12th century.
For more detail, see the page on Early Christianity in Spoleto.
Spoleto under King Theodoric
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto under King Theodoric.
Spoleto during the Gothic War
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto during the Gothic War.
Lombard Duchy of Spoleto
Spoletium was also of considerable strategic importance during the Barbarian invasions of Italy. In ca. 591, a Lombard mercenary named Ariulf established it as the capital of the Duchy of Spoleto, which was independent of the Lombard Kingdom to the north.
For more detail, see the page on the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto.
Carolingian Duchy of Spoleto
The Duchy continued as an administrative unit under the Carolingians.
When this dynasty lost its power in Italy, Duke Guido III of Spoleto had himself crowned Holy Roman Emperor and King of Italy (891-4). Pope Formosus crowned Lambert II as co-ruler with his father and he continued as sole Holy Roman Emperor from the death of his father until his own death in 898.
For more detail, see the page on the Carolingian Duchy of Spoleto.
Spoleto in the Early 10th Century
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the Early 10th Century.
Spoleto under the Ottonians
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto under the Ottonians.
11th Century
Spoleto then largely disappears from recorded history until 1155, when the newly crowned Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I, Barbarossa led his army from Rome towards Lombardy. When he reached Spoleto, the citizens made the mistake of refusing to pay the tax that he demanded (or, according to some accounts, they paid it in counterfeit money). He famously destroyed the city on this occasion and again in 1174. Spoleto finally made its peace with the Emperor in 1185.
For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 11th Century.
12th Century
Spoleto then largely disappears from recorded history until 1155, when the newly crowned Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I, Barbarossa led his army from Rome towards Lombardy. When he reached Spoleto, the citizens made the mistake of refusing to pay the tax that he demanded (or, according to some accounts, they paid it in counterfeit money). He famously destroyed the city on this occasion and again in 1174. Spoleto finally made its peace with the Emperor in 1185.
For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 12th Century.
13th century
The 13th century was important period of artistic and architectural achievement for Spoleto, despite of the wars between the Guelfs and Ghibellines. However, later civic anarchy took its toll and Spoleto fell under Perugian control until 1354. Cardinal Gil Albornoz soon retook it for the papacy and commissioned the famous Rocca of Spoleto, which still dominates the city.
For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 13th Century.
14th century
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 14th Century.
15th century
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 15th Century.
16th century
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 16th Century.
17th century
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For more detail, see the page on Spoleto in the 17th Century.
Later History
Spoleto remained under papal domination until 1860.
For more detail, see the page on the Later History of Spoleto.
