How did Sassari develop after people moved inland to escape Saracen raids?

After coastal populations retreated inland to escape Saracen raids, the city of Sassari (then known as Tathari) began to develop in the 12th century.1

Its growth was marked by the following milestones:

• Political Significance: It became the capital of the giudicato (judiciary circuit) of Torres.1
• Autonomy: The city maintained status as a free town under Pisan rule, establishing a measure of independence by approximately 1260. By 1275, Pisa recognized Sassari as a free commune.1
• Legal Development: Even after being ceded to Genoa following the naval defeat at Meloria in 1284, the city retained internal autonomy, eventually publishing its own civil and criminal statutes in 1316.1
• Institutional Growth: The city’s importance continued to rise as it became an archbishopric in 1441 and the site of the University of Sassari, founded in 1562.1