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Undoubtedly it is the most important industrial and commercial centre in Europe (with political and cultural influence). Milano is a large metropolis extending over an area consisting of almost thirty municipalities. `Greater Milan' has over two and a half million inhabitants.
A settlement of the local Gauls as Mediolanum it became a busy trading centre in Roman times and, from 292 AD, was the seat of the Western Emperors. After the Barbarian invasions, when it lost some of its importance to Pavia, capital of the Lombards and Franks, Milan regained vigour during the comuni period and later under the Viscontis and Sforzas. After submitting to Spanish (1535-1714) and Austrian rule (1714-1859), it became part of the Kingdom of Italy, with the rest of Lombardy.
