All Pisa [antikvár]

HISTORICAL OUTLINE The origins of Pisa are so ancient that they are lost in legend. Many historians believe, however, that the city dates back to Grecian times, that it was founded in fact by the Greeks, to become later an Etruscan and subsequently a Roman colony. It was referred to by Caesar as " Colonia Militare " and by Augustus as " Julia obsequens ". Under the Romans, the port of Pisa became famous: here were anchored the Roman ships which sailed the seas and proclaimed the power of Pisa, ally of Rome in her wars against other nations which sought to contest her commercial and maritime supremacy. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Pisa was invaded by the Goths, Lombards and Franks. But under the Carolingians, the city returned to its ancient glory, fighting against the Saracens and driving them from the seas. It became a powerful maritime republic which vied with the other republics of Genoa, Amalfi and Venice. In the frequent wars against the Saracens, Pisa won many victories and established its rule over Sardinia, Corsica and the Lipari and Balearic Islands. By taking part in the first Crusade of 1099, it gained important trading privileges and possessions which stretched as far as Asia Minor. The resultant commercial relations were immensely profitable and brought Pisa, between