 Because of its strategic position, Orte was occupied in succession by the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines and the Lombards.During the late 9th to early 10th century, along with much of central Italy, Orte was also held or threatened by the Saracens.In the Middle Ages the city was never seat of a fief, becoming a free "comune" under a "podestà" (elected magistrature).