The city of Vicenza was founded in the 2nd century BC, and was granted the status of municipium in 49 BC by the Romans. Vicenza was part of the Venetian Republic from the early 15th century until the end of the 18th century, prospering under Venetian rule. The many buildings of Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), one of the most innovative architects of his time, in Vicenza and in the region, public as well as private, have given a decisive influence on the development of architecture.