There’s little left of Roman Arezzo, founded on the site of what had been one of the most important Etruscan towns, one of a group called the Etruscan League. It was a major centre, renowned for its pottery, and probably converted to Christianity in the 2nd century, becoming an episcopal seat by the 4th century.
By the 13th century the three main religious orders of the Benedictines, Dominicans and Franciscans were established here; all three built churches during the 13th centuries. Despite never having experienced a Saracen attack, Arezzo’s main festival, a medieval joust, is known as the Giostra del Saracino. Practically the whole population dresses up in medieval costume and processes through the streets before packing into the Piazza Grande. Here, the jousting is held, with mounted knights, representing different town neighbourhoods, charging at a wooden target attached to carving of a Saracen king.