 Sovicille became a fief of the Medici and was transformed into an imposing fortress, defending an access point to their newly expanded territories.After the death of the last of the Medici rulers, power transferred to the Dukes of Lorraine, who remained in control till the end of the 18th century when the entire region was invaded by the French armies of Napoleon Bonaparte.The French remained in charge till 1814 when, under the terms agreed at Vienna, Sovicille was annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.