Ghibellines

The Ghibellines were a prominent political faction in medieval Italy that supported the authority of the Holy Roman Emperor against the local Italian city-states’ independence. During the 12th and 13th centuries, they often clashed with the Guelphs, who backed the Pope. Their rivalry shaped much of Italy’s political landscape, leading to conflicts, alliances, and violence between different cities and families. The Ghibellines favored strong imperial control, aiming to unify Italy under the emperor’s rule, while their opponents sought greater autonomy for local communes. This division reflected broader struggles between secular and church authority during that era.