The city of Naples has long been a center of European culture. Founded by Greece, the city was named Neapolis, which means New City. Later, under Roman rule, the city maintained its strong Greek character and culture. The great and imposing Greek temples of Paestum can still be found just south of Naples.

In the Middle Ages, Naples was part of the Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by the Normans in the eleventh century. Naples was later invaded by the Swabian Germans, who would gain control of most of Italy under Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.