The
Republic of Florence, or the
Florentine Republic , was a state that was centered on the
city of
Florence, located in modern
Tuscany,
Italy. The republic originated in 1115, when the Florentine people rebelled against the
Margraviate of Tuscany upon the death of the powerful feudal ruler
Margravine Matilda, a woman who controlled vast territories including Florence. The Florentines formed a commune in Matilda's place. The republic was ruled by a council, known as the
signoria. The signoria was chosen by the
gonfaloniere (titular ruler of the city), who was elected every two months by Florentine guild members.