The territory of San Marino (61 sq. km/24 sq. m) is mostly hilly country with Mount Titano in the center. It was founded, according to tradition in 301 A.D. Legend has it that a master stone-cutter, Marinus, left is native island and came to Mount Titano to establish a small community of Christians anxious to escape the persecutions of the emperor Diocletian.
The people of San Marino takes pride on their heritage and roots which can be traced back to Ancient Rome. In fact, their form of government that has 2 heads of state ruling at the same time is a remnant of an old Roman Empire practice.
San Marino is divided into the following nine municipalities, known locally as castelli (meaning "castles").