The origins of Corsica date back to the Stone Age, as indicated by various utensils and empty statues found in the area. In the centuries that followed the island was occupied by the Phoenicians and the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians and the Etruscans in the 3rd century BC. The Etruscan dominion was followed by a more stable Roman rule, which controlled the territory for more than seven centuries. Upon the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the region was invaded by the Vandals and the Goths. However, during the first period of the Middle Ages power passed into the hands of the Byzantine Empire, followed by the Arabs and the Lombards.

Such an incredibly rich and diverse history continued during the 11th century when the island fell under the control of the powerful city of Pisa, before passing into the hands of the Aragonite dynasty and the Republic of Genoa. Soon the island became of great interest to the neighbouring Turks, who, to ensure control of the territory, signed an agreement with France. This led to many bloody battles between Charles V, Spain, Germany and England, which only ended with the signing of the Cateau- Cambresis Treaty and the return of Corsica to Genoa. Here it remained until the 17th century when the island was purchased by France, who today have ruled relatively undisturbed for more than three centuries.