15. The Republic of Cospaia
In 1440, a border survey error between the Papal States and the Republic of Florence left a small strip of land unclaimed. The inhabitants of Cospaia seized this opportunity, declaring their independence. Over the next 385 years, Cospaia thrived as a lawless republic, notably cultivating tobacco, which was prohibited in neighboring regions. In 1826, the republic was dissolved, and its territory divided between Tuscany and the Papal States.
