Lombard and Gothic influence features strongly in the region. At one time Ravenna was the Goth's capital. The Byzantines also exerted a strong influence in Emilia Romagna.
When the Lombards invaded Emilia Romagna around 560 AD the region was divided into two camps; Modena, Parma and Piacenza came under Lombard control while Ravenna and Bologna remained under Byzantine rule.
Emilia Romagna came into church hands around 800. City-states like Bologna, Piacenza and Modena were founded during this period. For a while trade between the different towns blossomed but soon peace was broken when the German King and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa invaded the region. Once again Emilia Romagna was divided into two camps: one which supported the emperor and the other joined the Lombards.
Right up to recent times the history of Emilia Romagna bears witness to constant power struggles played out between empire, papal state and foreign nations or city states all vying with each other for extra territory.
Lasting peace only descended when Emilia Romagna became part of the Italian kingdom.
