Arezzo

Was one of 12 ancient cities of Etruria and was allied with Rome from the 3rd century BCE. A thriving medieval center, Arezzo was taken by Florence in 1384. A series of wars was fought from the mid-13th century through the early 14th century between Guelf-controlled Florence and allies (Montepulciano, Bologna, and Orvieto) and their Ghibelline opponents (Pisa, Siena, Pistoia, and Arezzo). Arezzo was later a part of grand duchy of Tuscany; it was ruled by the French after Napoleonic Wars, and then by the Hapsburgs. The city was damaged during WW II.