In 268 b.C., at the mouth of the river Ariminus (now the Marecchia), in an area previously inhabited by Etruscans, Umbrians, Greeks and Gauls, the Romans founded the colony of Ariminum, bulwark against the constant threats of the Gauls and a stepping stone for future conquest of the Po Valley. An important crossroads, connected with both Central Italy, by means of the Flaminian Way to Rome, and the north, by with the Via Aemilia and Via Popilia, Rimini had the advantage of allowing easy landing for sea trade.

Later involved in civil wars, Rimini remained loyal to the faction of Julius Ceasar , who precisely here, in the town's forum, delivered his historical address to the Roman legions after crossing the River Rubicone. The town experienced a wonderful Imperial period, and splendid reminders can still be seen to this day, in the form of the Arch of Augustus , Tiberius' Bridge and the amphitheatre , which was recently revalued and underwent in-depth restoration.

In spite of the crisis followed the decline of the Roman civilization and barbarian invasions, Rimini remained of considerable importance, to the point that an important Council of the Christian Church was held there in 359. This was also the period in which the first churches were built.

With the period of the communes, in '300, the turmoil of the Early Middle Ages had a more complete assertion with the appearance of the Riminese School, which took inspiration from Giotto, realizing works which were expressions of a very lively, strong cultural ferment. It was in that same period that the Malatesta/Malatesti family began to assert itself among the feuding families. The family originally came from Verucchio but its greatest exponent, military commander and arts patron Sigismondo Pandolfo, was from Rimini. His legacy is the Malatesta Temple , designed by Alberti.

After the decline of the Malatesta family, the town came under the Papal Kingdom, and fishing became increasingly important for the local economy, as is borne out by the important practical architectural works, such as the fish market and the lighthouse.

In 1797, the Romagna region (including Rimini) became part of the Cisalpine Republic. In 1815, Murat launched his proclamation to Italians precisely from Rimini, inciting them to unification and independence. However, the most 'revolutionary' fact for the town was the opening of the first Bathing Establishment in 1843.

In a short time, the town (and above all the seaside area) underwent great expansion from the point of view of building, which characterized Rimini as the town of small villas; at the beginning, the seafront was enhanced by the Grand Hotel , the area's first important hotel.

Lacerated by repeated bombing and the passing of the front on the Gothic Line during World War II, after the liberation on September 21st 1944, the city began widespread rebuilding work which, with the boom of the seaside resort business, led to renewed affluence and the present say.