Around the second millennium BC, the area of Tuscany was inhabited by peoples of the Apennine culture who had trading relationships with the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations in the Aegean Sea.

Around 1100 BC, the Proto-Villanovan culture, part of the central European Urnfield culture system, inhabited Tuscany at the end of the Bronze Age.

Around 900 BC, the Villanovan culture, considered the oldest phase of Etruscan civilization, emerged in Tuscany. Chiefdoms took over Tuscany and the rest of Etruria.

The Etruscans, also known as Tusci, established a major civilization in the region of Etruria. They developed transport infrastructure, implemented agriculture and mining, and produced vibrant art.

Following the collapse of the Roman civilization in the fifth century, Tuscany was briefly controlled by migrating Goths before being reconquered by the Eastern Roman Empire under Emperor Justinian.

The Lombards arrived in Tuscany and designated Lucca as the capital of their Tuscia.

The Black Death epidemic struck Tuscany, resulting in a significant population loss. Florence lost a third of its population in the first six months, and 45% to 75% in the first year.

Florence annexed Arezzo, extending its dominion in Tuscany.

Florence purchased Pisa, expanding its territory in Tuscany.

Florence suppressed local resistance in Pisa.

Florence bought Livorno, which became its harbor.

From 1434 onward, the Medici family dominated the Florentine Republic, initially retaining republican forms while exercising monarchical power.

Catherine de' Medici married Prince Henry (later King Henry II) of France.

The Sienese commune was incorporated into Tuscany.

The Medici rulers of Florence annexed the Republic of Siena, creating the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The Medici family became extinct with the death of Gian Gastone, and Tuscany was transferred to Francis, Duke of Lorraine.

Lucca remained an independent republic until 1847 when it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

After the Second Italian War of Independence, a revolution evicted the last Grand Duke, and Tuscany became part of the new Kingdom of Italy following a plebiscite.

Florence became the second capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

Florence ceased being the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

Following the fall of Mussolini and the armistice of 8 September 1943, Tuscany became part of the Nazi-controlled Italian Social Republic.

Anglo-American forces conquered Tuscany almost totally during the summer.

The regional government was established in Tuscany.

The historic Centre of Florence was designated as a World Heritage Site.

The Cathedral square of Pisa was designated as a World Heritage Site.

The historical centre of San Gimignano was designated as a World Heritage Site.

The historical centre of Siena was designated as a World Heritage Site.

The Val d'Orcia was designated as a World Heritage Site.

The current Statute, which regulates the functioning of the regional institutions, has been in force since 2005.

The Medici Villas and Gardens were designated as a World Heritage Site.

In 2018, Florence alone had over 5 million arrivals, making it the world's 51st most visited city.

In 2018, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Tuscany was 117.5 billion euros, accounting for 6.7% of Italy's economic output.

The unemployment rate in Tuscany stood at 7.3%, slightly lower than the national average.

In 2019, the municipalities with the relatively higher percentage of presences, in descending order, are: Florence, Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Castiglione della Pescaia, San Vincenzo, Orbetello, Grosseto, Siena, Bibbona, Viareggio, Capoliveri.

Montecatini Terme was designated as a World Heritage Site as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.