Florence, the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany, has a long and rich history. It was founded by the Romans in 59 BC and was an important trading center in the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, Florence was a major center of art and culture, and it was home to some of the most influential figures of the period, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante. Florence was also the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and the birthplace of the modern banking system. In the 19th century, Florence was an important center of the Italian unification movement. Today, Florence is a major tourist destination, known for its art, architecture, and culture.