 The Roman emperors Gallienus and Valerianus built a bridge over the Secchia river at this location in AD 259.The first historical mention of Rubiera is from 915, at which time it was a fief of the Supponidi family; the city later became a fief of the Obertenghi family.After a period of decline, it recovered some importance in the 12th century under the of Reggio Emilia, due to its strategic position and the fact that the city had a (castle) and massive walls.