With its abundance of art treasures and natural beauty, Tuscany is one of the most visited regions in Italy. The land has been inhabited by peoples of Apennine culture, Etruscans, and Romans. They were skilled metal workers and traders with great political and social achievements. The cities of Siena, Lucca and Florence flourished during the medieval period. Tuscany is also known for its powerful influence on high culture worldwide. Its capital, Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a living museum of art and architecture. The period saw the rise of prominent figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Dante, Machiavelli, Boccaccio and many others. A distinguished name in Italian history and culture, Tuscany has a reputation of a leading prosperous region.