Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Francesco Sforza

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The legendary "Cafe Meletti" is also located in Piazza del Popolo. Since 1907, it has not only served coffee and cakes, but also "Anisetta Meletti", an anise liqueur. The cafe is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Until 1907, the building housed the post and telegraph office.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The square is dominated by the facade of the "Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo", a symbol of political power. Here resided the Capitano del Popolo, who held the position of head of the militia and exercised legislative power. On the north side, the Gothic church of San Francesco.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The baptistery is located next to the cathedral. The interior of the structure may have been an antique temple on Ascoli's forum. This temple was used as a baptistery already by the 6th century. The baptistery's first restoration came prior to the 9th century, with interventions following in the 10th and 11th centuries. The octagonal building originally had three entrances, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The crypt has eleven naves. It was remodeled in the Baroque style, but there are some remains from the Romanesque period.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The crypt has eleven naves. It was remodeled in the Baroque style, but there are some remains from the Romanesque period.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). Unfortunately, the vault could not be seen due to necessary renovation work.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry, and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt, and later on, Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time, the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The Christmas market is held in the square in front of the Duomo. Some gifts are still hanging from the parachutes.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is located in Piazza Ventidio Basso, the hub of medieval commercial activity. It is a Romanesque church, supplemented in the 14th century with Gothic features. The characteristic square design of the façade corresponds to the style of the Assisi Cathedral. In its current form, the church is the result of works, restorations, and additions completed in 1389. Some scholars believe that a semi-subterranean oratory existed as early as the 4th-6th centuries. Others suggest that it was built in the 8th or 9th century. From this period come the reconstructions of the crypt, later added: the apse, the bell tower, the portal with the sculptural group, and the side aisles.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is located in Piazza Ventidio Basso, the hub of medieval commercial activity. It is a Romanesque church, supplemented in the 14th century with Gothic features. The characteristic square design of the façade corresponds to the style of the Assisi Cathedral. In its current form, the church is the result of works, restorations, and additions completed in 1389. Some scholars believe that a semi-subterranean oratory existed as early as the 4th-6th centuries. Others suggest that it was built in the 8th or 9th century. From this period come the reconstructions of the crypt, later added: the apse, the bell tower, the portal with the sculptural group, and the side aisles.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Outside the medieval city center there are some large turn-of-the-century buildings designed in the Art Nouveau style.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The "Ponte Romano" spans the Tronto River since Roman times. It was built around 25BC and was part of the "Via Salaria" that connected Rome with the coast.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry, and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The first mention of the church dates back to the time of Otto III. It was built on the site where already in the 5th century there must have been a place of worship. Here on the banks of the Tronto, was the nucleus of the historic city around 1000. The current church was started in the 13th century, but over the centuries it has been rebuilt. The bell tower, separated from the church, is a "reused" former residential tower, now equipped with mullioned windows. The church is marked by changes because of its location on the cliff above the river, there were static problems. This led in the 19th century that both side aisles had to be demolished. They were rebuilt in the 1950s. Architecturally, it represents an example of a church fortress. Tradition has it that Charlemagne stayed here overnight on his journey to Rome to be crowned emperor.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry, and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The first mention of the church dates back to the time of Otto III. It was built on the site where already in the 5th century there must have been a place of worship. Here on the banks of the Tronto, was the nucleus of the historic city around 1000. The current church was started in the 13th century, but over the centuries it has been rebuilt. The bell tower, separated from the church, is a "reused" former residential tower, now equipped with mullioned windows. The church is marked by changes because of its location on the cliff above the river, there were static problems. This led in the 19th century that both side aisles had to be demolished. They were rebuilt in the 1950s. Architecturally, it represents an example of a church fortress. Tradition has it that Charlemagne stayed here overnight on his journey to Rome to be crowned emperor.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The small octagonal chapel was built in 1633. According to tradition, the stone slab on which St. Emeidio was decapitated in 309 is conserved under the altar. The walls are red in memory of the Martyr's blood spilled here.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. In the shade, under the balustrade, women used to meet to wash clothes in the old days.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry, and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Tradition knows, that Ascoli had more than 100 residential towers in the Middle Ages. Most were either destroyed or at least torn down by Frederick II in the 13th century, but some have survived.