With the barbarians’ invasions and the fall of the Roman Empire, Reggio went through a period of serious instability. In the dark ages, the urban nucleus was reduced to just a small area comprising the Duomo and Palazzo Vescovile, which shows that the civil powers and the defense of the city was guaranteed by the Bishop, appointed by Charlemagne. In the X century, the powerful family of Attonidi – of Longobard lineage – conquers much of Emilia and fortifies a vast territory on the hills around Reggio building, among the others, the Castle of Canossa, which will turn it into the main bulwark of its vast domain and will give the name to his dynasty: Da Canossa family.
