Guelfs

The Guelfs were a medieval political faction in Italy, primarily supporters of the Pope and the Papal influence over secular affairs. They opposed the Ghibellins, who backed the Holy Roman Emperor. This division led to conflicts across Italian city-states like Florence and Venice, affecting politics, alliances, and even daily life. Guelfs generally aligned with church authority and its interests, often clashing with the Ghibellins’ imperial loyalties. Over time, these factions contributed to regional power struggles, shaping the political landscape of medieval Italy.