Savona was first settled by the
Ligurian tribe of the Sabazi, who supported the
Carthaginians in the
Punic Wars. This support of the Carthaginian Empire led to Savona being conquered by the
Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Savona allied with
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and fought against
Genoa. In 1440 it also fought against Genoa during its war against the Visconti of Milan; in response, Genoa sacked the city and destroyed the
port and shipping. It allied itself with the French in the 16th century, but this campaign also failed and resulted in Genoa invading the area again, this time destroying three loaded ships and the port. It was occupied by Napoleon's French forces at the start of the 19th century, but the area was later conquered from Napoleon by the Kingdom of Sardinia. Following this, ironworks were founded in Savona and the port revived. ==Geography==