- Lombard League
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Italian league that resisted attempts by the Holy Roman emperors to curtail the liberties of the communes of Lombardy in northern Italy in the 12th–13th century.Founded in 1167, it was backed by Pope Alexander III, who saw it as an ally against Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. After several military setbacks at the hands of the league, Frederick was forced to grant the Lombard cities communal liberties and jurisdiction under the Peace of Constance. The league again was renewed in 1226 and resisted Frederick II's attempt to reassert imperial power in northern Italy.
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▪ Italian historyItalian Lega Lombardaleague of cities in northern Italy that, in the 12th and 13th centuries, resisted attempts by the Holy Roman emperors to reduce the liberties and jurisdiction of the communes of Lombardy. Originally formed for a period of 20 years on Dec. 1, 1167, the Lombard League initially consisted of 16 cities, later expanded to 20, including Milan, Venice, Mantua, Padua, Brescia, and Lodi. It was backed from its beginning by Pope Alexander III, who saw in it a welcome ally against his enemy the Holy Roman emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. Frederick suffered several military setbacks at the hands of the league, notably the Battle of Legnano (1176), and, after a six-year truce (1177–83), agreed to the Peace of Constance, by which he retained the fealty of the Lombard cities but granted them communal liberties and jurisdiction.The Lombard League was renewed in 1198 and again in 1208. Not until 1226, however, when Frederick II reasserted imperial authority in northern Italy, did it again become a powerful factor in Italian politics for a long period. The new league was formed for 25 years by Milan, Bologna, Brescia, Mantua, Padua, Vicenza, and Treviso. They were soon joined by Piacenza, Verona, Lodi, and other cities, as well as by Boniface II of Montferrat and Godfrey of Biandrate. They received the support of the papacy and effectively opposed Frederick's reorganization of northern Italy. The league passed out of existence after Frederick's death in 1250.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
