Republic of Florence

The Republic of Florence (Old Italian: Republica di Fiorenza; contemporary Italian: Repubblica di Firenze), also known as the Florentine Republic (Latin: Res publica Florentina; Old Italian: Republica Fiorentina; contemporary Italian: Repubblica Fiorentina [reˈpubblika fjorenˈtiːna]), was a medieval and early modern state that was centered on the Italian city of Florence in Tuscany. The republic originated in 1115, when the Florentine people rebelled against the Margraviate of Tuscany upon the death of Matilda of Tuscany, who controlled vast territories that included Florence. The Florentines formed a commune in Rabodo's (Matilda's successor) successors' place. The republic was ruled by a council known as the Signoria of Florence. The signoria was chosen by the gonfaloniere (titular ruler of the city), who was elected every two months by Florentine guild members.