Guelphs and Ghibellines

The Guelphs and Ghibellines were rival political factions in medieval Italy, primarily during the 12th to 15th centuries. The Guelphs supported the Pope and favored the power of the church, while the Ghibellines backed the Holy Roman Emperor and supported a secular authority. This conflict influenced the politics, culture, and social structures of various Italian city-states, leading to significant battles and shifts in power. The struggle between these factions also reflected broader tensions between religious and political authority in Europe during that era, impacting the development of Italian identity and governance.