Originally inhabited by Euganei and Etruscans, Verona received the town charter under the Romans and became an important base in northern Italy. In the Middle Ages Verona became independent while fighting with the Lombard city league against the German emperor. Under the rule of the Scala family Verona became one of the most powerful cities in northern Italy. It was only with the rise of the Doge’s Republic of Venice that the Verona’s autonomy came to an end, and the city was conquered by Venice in 1405. In the 19th century the region became part of Austria. After numerous battles Verona and the whole Veneto were finally able to free themselves from foreign domination and joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.