Battle of Legnano

The Battle of Legnano, fought in 1176, was a crucial conflict between the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the Lombard League, a coalition of northern Italian city-states. The cities allied to resist imperial control and maintain their independence. The Lombard League’s army, mainly comprised of heavily armed infantry known as pikemen, successfully challenged the emperor’s knights and mounted forces. The battle ended in a significant victory for the league, stopping Barbarossa's plans to subjugate the region. It is celebrated as a symbol of local resistance and the defense of communal rights against imperial domination.