The geographical centrality of the Esino river offers an opportunity to compare different culture in the surrounding areas. The Esino has provided a natural divide between civilisation that were obliged to face each other and make comparisons. First the border between the Gallic and the Piceni populations, then between those of the Byzantines and the Lombards, the Esino has supplied a natural divide between those civilisations that were obliged to face each other and make comparisons. A civilisation with a complex profile has thus ensued, with a strong territorial identity of which Jesi became the centre. The history of the town of Jesi is different to that of the Marches situation, which is, in general, made up of small autonomous municipalities. Imposing traces of this aggressive and warlike character can still be seen in the contado’s castles (castelli del contado), as in the town of Jesi, which is entirely surrounded by castle walling, which unwinds for one and a half kilometres, partly running over the Roman defence course, and partly enclosing mediaeval quarters. In 1194, in this strengthened fortress, the Suevian Emperor, Federico II, was born. In the square which had been the centre of this Roman town, Costanza d’Altavilla gave birth to this extraordinary character, who is still given the title of Stupor Mundi for his rare intellectual qualities and extraordinary political intuition. From that moment Jesi became a Città Regia, and advanced into modern times, taking hold as a small capital, in which the manufacturing and business precocity united with urban choices and first class artistic inclinations. Following the example given by the majestic Palazzo della Signoria, completed in 1498 and the work of the architectonic genius of Francesco di Giorgio Martini, an extremely high quality civil and religious building trade developed in Jesi. The roads to the centre show a very civil measure of architectonic elegance and special rationality. In this town, in 1710, not only was Giova Battista Pergolesi born, but Gaspare Spontini (born just a few kilometres away, in Maiolati) grew up and studied. Jesi pays tribute to each of these characters in appropriate places, such as museums, libraries and theatres. Apart from this the general public are continually reminded of these historical figures, through cultural events that still today articulate the, very civilised, social life.