Geneva was the northernmost city of the Allobroges before the Roman conquest of Gaul. The city became part of the Roman Empire in 121 BC. It became an episcopal seat in the 4th century, was conquered by the Burgundians in the 5th century, and eventually came under Frankish rule. In the first half of the 11th century Geneva was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire. The ruling power of the city was conferred upon a prince-bishop, and the counts of Geneva were made feudal vassals. The Genevans, however, were unwilling to accept the bishop's authority and, desiring municipal independence, appealed for help in the early 14th century to Amadeus VI, count of Savoy. From that time on, Geneva became an object of struggle between its citizens, the counts of Savoy, the counts of Geneva, and the bishops of Geneva. The Reformation finally brought the city its independence; in 1536, the Genevans declared themselves Protestant and proclaimed their city a republic. John Calvin was invited to take up residence in Geneva. The city gained a great deal of influence over Protestant Europe and became the center of education for Protestant youth from many countries. During the French Revolution (1789-1799), aristocratic and democratic factions contended for control of Geneva. In 1798, however, France, then under the Directory, annexed Geneva and its surrounding territory. After the overthrow of Napoleon, Geneva recovered its independence, and in 1815 was admitted to the Swiss Confederation. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 increased the city's territory and guaranteed its neutrality. From 1841 to 1878 the history of the city was one of political strife, but democratic elements eventually triumphed. The referendum was introduced in 1879, and in 1891 the initiative and recall were introduced. In 1907, by a referendum, the state and church were separated, and the theocracy, which had generally controlled Geneva, became a minor political factor. Population (1998) 172,809.
