SAN, or SAMARINO, a republic in the N.E. of Italy, bounded on all sides by the Papal States, and situated about 10 miles from the Adriatic; area 24 square miles. It is not only the smallest in extent, but it is also the oldest of all the European states. In the year 469 Marinus, a Dalmatian hermit, originally a mason, is said to have settled here in the solitude of the mountains; and, having obtained from the owner a grant of territory, he was joined by a number of similar devotees, and thus gave origin and name to the little republic of San Marino. A village rose gradually; and in the tenth century it became a walled town, continuing independent of all foreign powers. In the civil wars of Italy, San Marino embraced the side of the Ghibeline or imperial party, and in the thirteenth century refused to pay certain taxes imposed by the pope. A dispute thereupon arose, which, on being referred to a learned judge of that day, was decided in favour of the republic; and San Marino has ever since been recognised by the popes as an independent state. Nor was any change made either on the conquest of Italy by Napoleon, or on the reinstatement of the pope in 1814. The legislature of the state consists of a large council of sixty, made up, in equal proportions, of nobles, townsmen, and small proprietors. This council is self-elected, and the members are chosen for life. Out of this a smaller council of twelve is chosen, and the executive power is in the hands of two capitani reggenti, who hold office for six months. The territory of the republic is entirely mountainous, and is watered by the Ausa and the Amarano, small streams which fall into the Adriatic. It produces wine, fruits, and silk. The town of San Marino, which stands on a mountain, the summit of which is crowned by a castle, is ill-built and paved; and the streets are so steep as to be inaccessible for horses or carriages. The town has five churches, three convents, a town-house, and a large square commanding an extensive view. Besides the capital, San Marino has four villages. Pop. of state 7600.