'Guelphs and Ghibellines: A Short History of Mediaeval Italy from 1250-1409' Summary

The book "Guelphs and Ghibellines" by Oscar Browning chronicles the turbulent history of Italy from 1250 to 1409, a time defined by the ongoing rivalry between Guelph and Ghibelline factions. These factions represented the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, respectively, and their conflict permeated the political landscape of Italian city-states. Browning traces the rise of powerful figures like the Visconti family who dominated Milan and the influential mercenary captains who wielded significant power in various cities. The book explores the economic and cultural development of the period, focusing on the rise of Florence as a major economic power, the decline of Genoa after its defeat by Venice, and the establishment of Venice as a dominant maritime force. Browning sheds light on the complex social and political structures of medieval Italy, revealing the interplay of alliances, betrayals, and shifting power dynamics that shaped the Italian peninsula during this period. The book highlights the emergence of new forms of political authority and the rise of mercenary forces, all of which played a crucial role in defining the course of Italian history in the late Middle Ages.