Prehistory in Corsica was above all marked by the Torrean and Megalithic civilisations, the remains of which can be seen all over the island (in particular in Istria and Sartenais). The island has been inhabited at least since the 8th millennium B.C., from which time it has seen a history that is its mirror image: strong and turbulent.
After domination by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, the High Middle Ages in Corsica consisted of successive waves of invasions and confrontations between Byzantines, Saracens and others. The arrival of great naval powers like the Republics of Pisa and Genoa offered Corsica relative stability, under papal rule, up until the early 18th century. In 1768, Corsica became part of the Kingdom of France, following a war of independence lasting 40 years, begun by the peasant movements.
The actors in Corsican history are not all unknowns; some, like Napoleon Bonaparte, Pascal Paoli and Sampiero Corso, have had an impact, each in their own way, on the history of France and the World.

Some dates:
1794: Pascal Paoli’s return from exile, and constitution of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom.
1796: The island becomes French again, with two departments: Liamone and Golo.
1811: Under Napoleon, reunification of Corsica with a single department; Ajaccio is the regional capital.
1970: Corsica becomes the 22nd French region.
1981: Reopening of the University of Corsica, founded by Pascal Paoli in 1765.
1982: Establishment of special status for Corsica.