For long periods of time Liguria was under Byzantine rule until the Lombards took control of the region around 641 AD.
Then it was the turn of the Franks to dominate Liguria. During this period the population suffered several attacks from the Saracens and also from the Normans who forced the people out to the coastal areas.
In the Middle Ages when districts were established, Genoa quickly became the most important in Liguria and soon progressed to become the dominant and most important force in Liguria's further historic development.
For many years Genoa was a power to be reckoned with. Along with the republics of Amalfi, Pisa and Venice, Genoa fought for power and control in the Mediterranean.
Later on Liguria and Genoa came under the Savoy Kingdom and for a short period prior to Italian unification Liguria was part of the kingdom of Sardinia.
