Immigrant Ships
Transcribers Guild

Trieste, (Austria/Italy)

1909
TSS Martha Washington 2 February
Argentina 2 December



TRIESTE Historical Background
Trieste is the ancient Tergeste, a Roman colony founded in the second century BC and fortified by Octavian in 33-32 BC. Emperor Vespasiano linked Trieste to Pola by building the Via Flavia.

After the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire, the city fell in the hands of barbarians. Later, along with the rest of Istria, Trieste passed under Byzantine rule.

In 787 it was conquered by the Franks; under Carolingian dominion, local bishops acquired considerable temporary power under the title of major barons.

From the eleventh century on, Trieste's history is characterised by alternate instances of submission and rebellion with regard to the powerful Republic of Venice. With the 1381 Turin Peace the city was finally recognised its independence. In 1382, to avoid the still present Venetian menace, Trieste placed itself under the protection of the Dukes of Austria.

Thanks to Venice's decline, Trieste enjoyed a period of prosperity Only after the 18th century. In 1719 Emperor Charles VI declared the city a free port, attracting a great number of merchants and increasing its citizens' well-being.

Conquered by the Franks in 1797 and ceded to the Austrians that same year under the Campoformio treaty, Trieste was alternately under the rule of one or the other until 1813, year in which it passed definitely under the Austrian Empire.

During the 19th century the city underwent considerable economic development with the founding of various navigation and insurance companies and with the birth of new industries.

The city finally became part of Italy at the end of World War I, on November 3, 1918.


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