The Republic of Florence, or the Florentine Republic , was a state that was centered on the city of Florence, located in modern Tuscany, Italy. The republic originated in 1115, when the Florentine people rebelled against the Margraviate of Tuscany upon the death of the powerful feudal ruler Margravine Matilda, a woman who controlled vast territories including Florence. The Florentines formed a commune in Matilda's place. The republic was ruled by a council, known as the signoria. The signoria was chosen by the gonfaloniere (titular ruler of the city), who was elected every two months by Florentine guild members.