THE people inhabiting the North , beyond the Riuers of Reyne and Danubio , being borne in a cold Region , yet wholesome & apt to generation , do many times encrease , and become so populous , that part of them are constrained to abandon their natiue countries , and seeke new places where to remaine . The order of the Northren people . The order which those people hold in dispersing the inhabitants , is , to diuide themselues into three parts , yet so , as in euerie one , may be some of the nobilitie , and some of the people , some of the rich and some of the poore equallie diuided : which done , the one part ( whose lot falleth so out ) leaueth that country and seeketh fortune elsewhere to abide . The Northren people oppressed the Romane Empire . The other two parts of the people there remaining , doo possesse and enioy the landes of them that are departed . These people were those which destroyed the Romane Empire ; whereunto the Emperours themselues gaue some occasion by forsaking Rome , the antient Emperiall seate , and setling themselues at Constantinople : For thereby the West part of the Empire became weake , lesse regarded , & more easie to be harmed both of their owne ministers , and others their enemies . Surely the destruction of so great an Empire builded vpon the blood of so many vertuous men , could not be lost without the sloath of Princes , infidelitie of ministers , great forces , and much obstinacie in them , who assaulted the same : for not onely , one sort of people , but many multitudes in that action conspired . The first enemies , which came to the destruction of the Roman Empire after the Cimbri ( vanquished by Marius the Romane ) were the Visigotti , which name in our language , may bee called Gotti of the West . These people , after some conflicts in the Empire , and through the sufferance of the Emperours , long time continued their dwellings vpon the Riuer of Danubio . And although at sundrie occasions , and sundrie times , they assaulted the prouinces belonging to the Empire , yet were they by the power of the Emperours from time to time impeached : and at last by Theodotio gloriously vanquished . So that thereby being brought vnder his obedience , they could not againe make any King ouer them , but contented with the Emperours paie , vnder his gouernment and ensigne , they liued and serued . But Theodotio being dead , and leauing Arcadio and Honorio his sonnes , heires of the Empire , ( but not of his vertue and fortune ) the time , with the Prince clearly altered and chaunged . Theodotio authorized vnto three parts of the Empire , The Empire diuided into three gouernments . three gouernours . In the East , Ruffino , in the West Stillicone , and in Affrica Gildonio . Euerie one of these , determined after the death of their Prince , not to gouerne as ministers , but to possesse the countries as Princes . Of these three , Gildonio and Ruffino , were at their beginnings oppressed : but Stillicone better dissembling his intent , sought to winne himselfe credit with the new Emperours , & neuerthelesse disturbe the quietnesse of their state . Then to the end he might the rather atteine the possession thereof , and procure the Visigotti to become enemies to the Empire , he counselled the Emperour no more to paie them . Besides that , Stillicone imagining these enemies were not of force sufficient to disturbe the Empire , found meanes that the Burgundi , Fraunchi , Vandali , and Alani ( all people of the North , and appointed to seeke themselues a new habitation ) assailed the Romane countries . The Visigotti then being discharged from their paie , determined ( as of an iniury ) to be reuenged : & creating Alarico their King , Rome sacked by the Visigotti . assaulted the Empire , destroyed Italy , and sacked Rome . After which victory , Alarico died , and to him succeeded Ataulfo : who tooke to wife Placidia sister to the Emperours , and through that alliance , agreed with them to succour France and Spaine : which countries wereby the Vandali , Burgundi , Alani , and Fraunchi , ( thereto moued by the occasions aforesayd ) assailed . Whereof ensued , that the Vandali ( who had alreadie conquered that part of Spaine which is called Betica ) were sore molested by the Visigotti : and not hauing other helpe , were forced to accept the offer of Bonifacio , Bonifacio gouernor of Affrica . at that time gouerning Affrica for the Emperour : who required them to take in hand the conquest thereof , being by his meane in Rebellion : and he fearing least his fault should be to the Emperour detected . For these reasons aforesaid , the Vandali most willingly tooke the enterprise in hand , & vnder Genserico their King , possessed Affrica . By this time Theodotio sonne to Archadio was become Emperour , who litle regarding the affaires of the Empire in the West , gaue great hope to these forrein people to enioy those things they had conquered . So that , the Vandali possessed Affrica , the Alani and Visigotti gouerned Spaine : the Fraunchi and Burgundi did not onely conquere Gallia , but also vnto the parts thereof , by them conquered , How Gallia became named Francia . gaue their owne names , calling the one Francia , the other Burgogna . The happie successe of those , encouraged new people to the destruction of the Empire . For at that time the people called Vnni assailed and possessed Pannonia , a prouince adioyning to the Riuer Danubio , How Hungaria became so named . which at this day hauing taken the name of these Vnni , is called Vngheria . Vpon consideration of these disorders , the Emperour seeing himselfe on euerie side assailed , to the end he might haue the fewer foes , beganne to take truce , sometimes with the Vandali , and sometimes with the Franchi : which did greatly encrease the reputation and power of the barbarous people , disgracing and diminishing the credit of the Empire . Votigerio king of the Angli . Neither was in those dayes , the Iland of Bretagna ( at this day called England ) assured from such inuasion : for the Bertoni fearing these people which had possessed France , and not finding how the Emperour could defend them , called to aide them the Angli , a people of Germany so named . These Angli vnder Votigerio their King , tooke the enterprise in hand , ouerthrew the enemy , and in the end draue them out of the Iland , How the name of England was giuen to that Iland . themselues there remaining & inhabiting . By the name of which Angli , that country was , and yet is called Anglia . The inhabitants whereof , being thus spoiled and driuen from their country , became desperate , perswading themselues , that although they could not defend their own country , yet was it possible for them to conquere an other . Whereupon , they with their families passed the seas , The antient English people now inhabitants of Bretagna . and planted them on the other side neare the shoare , and called that country by their owne name , Bretagna . The people called Vnni , who , ( as is aforesaid ) had conquered Pannonia , assembling themselues with other people , called Zepedi , Eruli , Turinghi , and Ostrogotti , ( which word signifieth in that language , Gotti of the East ) prepared themselues to seeke new countries : but not being of force sufficient to enter France ( being defended by other barbarous forces ) they came vnto Italy , conducted by Attila their king , who not long before , to gouerne alone in his kingdome , had slaine Bleda his brother . Thus Attila became mightie , Andarico king of Zebedi , Attila his comming into Italy . and Velamer king of the Ostrogotti , were made as it were , his subiects . Attila being arriued in Italy , besieged Aquilegia , where without resistance , hee continued two yeares , and during the siege , spoyled the country thereabouts , and dispersed the inhabitants of the same : which ( as hereafter shal be declared ) was the beginning of the citie of Vinegia . After the taking & ruine of Aquilegia , and many other cities , he marched towards Rome : from the spoyle whereof , at the request of the Bishop , he refrained . The reuerence & respect which Attila did bear towards this Bishop , was such , as perswaded him to leaue Italy , and retire himselfe to Austria , where he died . After his death , Velamer king of the Ostrogotti , and other the leaders of forraine nations , tooke Armes against Tenrico and Eurie his sonnes , the one of them they slew , and constrained the other , with the Vnni to returne ouer Danubio , into their owne countrey . The Ostrogotti and the Tepedi , were setled in Pannonia , the Eruli and Turingi vpon the shoare on the other side of Danubio . King Attila thus departed from Italy , Valentiniano the Emperour in the West , imagining to repaire the countrey , and hoping with more commoditie to defend the same from the barbarous people , abandoned Rome , and setled himselfe in Rauenna . These aduersities happened to the Empyre in the West , occasioned the Emperours , who then dwelt at Constantinople , many times to graunt the possession thereof to others , as a thing full of perils and expence . And the Romanes otherwhiles , The cause of the election of an Emperour in the West . seeing themselues abandoned , without leaue created an other Emperour or some deputie , to performe that office , ( as did Massimo the Romane ) after the death of Valentiniano , who constrained Eudossa lately wife to the Emperour , to take him to her husband . This woman beeing borne of Emperiall blood , desirous to reuenge so great an iniurie , and disdaining to bee married with a priuate Citizen , secretly perswaded Genserico King of the Vandali and Lord of Affrica , to come into Italy , shewing him the facilitie and profit of that enterprise . Hee enticed with hope of so great a spoyle came speedily thither , and finding Rome abandoned , sacked the Towne , and there remained foureteene dayes . Hee also tooke and spoyled diuerse other Townes in Italy : and fraughting himselfe and his Army with spoyle , returned into Affrica . The Romanes came home to Rome , and finding Massimo dead , elected Auito a Romane , for Emperour . After the death of diuerse other Emperours , the Empire of Constantinople , came to the hands of Zenone : and that of Rome , to Oreste and his sonne Augustolo , who through subtiltie had vsurped that Empyre . While these men thus possessed and determined to holde the Empyre by force , the Eruli and Turingi , who ( as is aforesayd ) after the death of Attila remained vppon the shoare on the other side of Danubio ) conspired togither vnder the conduct of their Captaine Odoacre , came into Italy , The comming of the Longobardi into Italy . and possessed such places , as were by them left voyd . Then the Longobardi ( people also toward the North ) entered Italy : ledde thither by Godolio their King , who were , ( as heereafter shall be declared ) the greatest plague of that countrey . Odoacre arriued in Italy , conquered the same , and neare vnto Pauia slew Oreste , forcing Augustolo to flie away . After which victorie ( to the ende that Rome varying in gouernment , the gouernour might receiue a new title ) Odoacre leauing the name of the Empire , caused himselfe to be called King of Rome , and was the first Captaine of all the forraine people that inuaded Italy to inhabit there . Because all the others , either for feare not to enioy that they had gotten , or else doubting to be driuen out by the Emperour in the East , either else for some other hidden occasion , onely spoyled the country : and that done , sought to plant their habitation elsewhere . Thus we see , that in those dayes the ancient Romane Empire was reduced to the gouernment of these Princes . Zenone remaining in Constantinople , commaunded all the Empire in the East . How the ancient Empyre became diuided . The Ostrogotti gouerned Mesia and Pannonia . The Visigotti , Sueui , and Alani , possessed Guascognia and Spaine . The Vandoli ruled Affrica . The Franchi and Burgundi liued in France . The Eruli and Turingi remained in Italy . The kingdome of Ostrogotti came to the handes of Theodorico , Nephewe of Velamer , beeing in league with Zenone Emperour in the East , wrote vnto him , that it seemed a thing vniust to his people the Ostrogotti , that they beeing in vertue superiours to all others , should be inferiours in Empyre : And therfore he could not by any meanes hold them within the consines of Pannonia . It seemed therefore necessarie to suffer them to take armes , and seeke new Countries : But first hee thought good to let him vnderstand thereof , to the intent hee might graunt them some country , where with his good fauour and their greater commoditie , they might inhabite . The Emperour Zenone , partly for feare , and partly for the desire hee had to haue Odoacre driuen out of Italy , graunted that Theodorico might come against Odoacre , and take the possession thereof . Then Theodorico departed from Pannonia , leauing there the Zepedi his friends : and being arriued in Italy , slew Odoacre , and his sonne ; by whose example , hee tooke vnto him the title of King of Italy , making Rauenna his royall seate , moued by the same reasons , that induced Valentiniano there to dwell . Theodorico was a man both for warre and peace moste excellent : Theodorico king of Ostrogotti a most vertuous Prince . for in the one , hee was alwaies victorious , and in the other generally profited the cities and people to him subiect . Hee diuided the Ostrogotti with their Captaines into sundry townes , to the end that in the warre hee might commaund them , and in the peace correct them : hee enlarged the Citie of Rauenna and restored Rome in all thinges ( the discipline of warre except ) giuing to the Romanes euerie other honour : & with his only authoritie kept in awe all the barbarous Kings vsurpers of the Empyre . Hee built townes and fortresses betweene the Alpes , and the point of the sea Adriatico , the rather to empeach the passage of other barbarous people that should assaile Italy . And had not his great vertue bene in the end of his life blotted with some cruelties ; committed vppon suspition of his kingdome ( as the death of Simmaco and Boetio , men of most godly life ) he had bene in all respects worthy of honour and memorie . For the vertue and bountie of him , did not only repaire Rome and Italy of the afliction committed by the barbarous nations : but also reduced them into an order and gouernment moste fortunate . And surely , if any times were euer in Italy , and the other Prouinces there-abouts by reason of barbarous oppression miserable , they were those which happened from the time of Arcadio and Onorio , till his dayes . For who so shall consider the great mischiefs which happen to common weales by the variation of gouernment , or change of the Prince , without any dissention and diuision , shall finde the same alone of force inough to ruine any state or kingdome , how mightie soeuer . It may therefore be imagined how great miseries the Romane Prouinces endured : for they did not only alter their gouernment , but also their lawes , their customes , their maner of life , their religion , their tounge , their apparrell , and their names . All which things ( nay any one of them considered vnseene ) would moue the hardest heart to compassion . At that time many cities were ouerthrowen , many begun , & many enlarged . Among those that were ruined , were Aquilegia , Luni , Chiusi , Popolonia , Fiesole , and others . Of those which were buylt new , were Vinegia , Siena , Ferrara , Aquila , and other townes and castels , which for breuitie I omit . Those which of small Cities became great , were Fiorenza , Genoua , Pisa , Milan , Napoli , and Bologna , to the which may be ioyned the ruine and repaire of Rome , with diuerse others Citties in like sort defaced and after amended . Among these ruines , and these new people , there grewe vp new languages , since that time vsed in France , Spaine , and Italy , which mixed with the ancient tongues of those Countries , and the Romane speech , haue framed languages neuer before time knowen . The names also of those Prouinces , riuers , lakes , seas , and men , were vtterly changed . For France , Italy and Spayne , be full of new names , from the olde farre differing : as appeareth ( omitting many others ) . The riuers of Po , Garda and the Archipelago , which are names diuers from those of auncient time vsed . Men likewise commonly in those dayes called Caesari , Pompei , and such like : are new baptized , Peter , Mathew , and so forth . But among so many variations , the chaunge of Religion was not the least , for those of the ancient faith , contending with the miracles of the new , wrought among men occasion of great discord : but had the christian Religion bene vnited , the disorders had not bene so great . For the Greeke church , the Romane church , and the church of Rauenna , contended one against the other . Besides them , many other differents arose among the christian people , & into many opinions diuided the world . An example whereof was Affrica , which suffered more affliction by reason of the opinion of Arius ( which the Vandoli beleeued ) then by any other cause either of their couetousnes or naturall crueltie . During the multitudes of these miseries , euerie man beare ( as it were ) in his face , the markes of his discontented mind . For besides the manifold mischiefes by them endured , the greater number wanted the knowledge of God , by whome all creatures hope to be comforted . For the most of those people being ignorant of the true God , wanting helpe and hope , most miserably dyed . Thus it appeareth , that Theodorico deserued no small commendation , being the first that appeased so many troubles . For within these 28. yeares which he reigned in Italy , he reduced it to so great order and honour , as the markes of miserie were scantly perceiued . But he being dead , The death of Theodorico . and leauing Atalarico for king ( who was the sonne of Amalasciunta his daughter ) Italy in short space returned to the former disorders . For Attalarico shortly after his graundfather died , left the gouernment to his mother , and she making Theodato her minister in the gouernment , was by him betraied . Theodato by this meane made King , became odious to the Ostrogotti , and Iustiniano the Emperour hoped the rather to driue him from Italy . To performe that enterprise , he deputed Bellisario to be his Lieftenaunt , who had alreadie conquered Affrica , and chasing from thence the Vandoli , reduced the same to obedience of the Empyre . Bellisario also conquered Sicilia , The acts of Bellisario . & from thence passed into Italy , where he surprized Napoli , and Rome . The Gotti receiuing these ouerthrowes , killed their king Theodato as the cheife occasion of their misaduenture . In his place was chosen Vitigete , who after a few conflicts , was by Bellisario besieged , and in Rauenna taken . Then was Bellisario before he had performed the whole victorie by Iustiniano reuoked , & to his charge , were appointed Giouanni and Vitale , men both for vertue and conuersation farre inferiour : wherfore the Gotti tooke heart , and created a king called Ildouado , who was at that time Gouernour of Verona . The acts of Totila . After him ( being within a few daies slaine ) Totila aspired to the kingdome , and distressed the Emperours armie , recouered Toscana and Napoli , and brought vnder his obedience , well neare all those states which Bellisario had gotten . Wherfore Iustiniano thought good to send him again into Italy , who being come thither with smal forces , rather lost the reputation he had gotten before , then encreased the same . For Totila , as it were before the face of Bellisario ( who was then with his armie at Hostia ) besieged Rome and tooke it . Then considering with him selfe that he could neither hold it , nor leaue it without daunger , he razed the greatest part of the Citie , driuing the people from thence , and leading away the Senatours as prisoners , which Bellisario little regarding , marched with his armie vnto Calauria , to meete there with souldiers sent in his aide from Greece . Thus Bellisario seeing Rome abandoned , determined with him selfe an honourable enterprise : and entering into the ruines of Rome , ( with what speed he possibly could ) repaired the walles of the citie , & called home the inhabitants . But fortune ( as it seemeth ) enemie to so laudable an atempt , apposed her selfe . For Iustiniano the Emperour at the same time happened to be assaulted by the Parthi , and for that cause called home Bellisario : hee to obey his master , lest Italy at the discretion of Tottila , who anew possessed Rome , but not with so great crueltie as he had before time there vsed . For being entreated by S. Benedetto , ( of whome in those daies there was holden a great opinion of holines ) he endeuoured him selfe rather to amend , then marre that citie . In this meane while , Iustiniano had concluded a peace with the Parthi , & intending to send a new supply into Italy , was empeached to performe that intent by a new people of the North called Sclaui , who hauing passed Danubio , assailed Illiria and Thracia : so as by that meanes Tottila got into his hands all Italy . But so soone as Iustiniano had suppressed the Sclaui , he sent thither his armie conducted by Narsete an Eunuch , who distressed the forces of Tottila , The acts of Narsete . & slew him , with the remaine of the Gotti . After that ouerthrow , retired to Pauia , where they created Teia for their King . Narsete on the other side , after this victorie , surprized Rome , and at the last fought with Teia , not farre from the cittie of Nocera , slew him , and vanquished his armie . By meane of which victorie , the name of Gotti , in Italy was clearely extirped , hauing there remained from the reigne of Theodorico , vnto Teia their Kings , threescore and ten yeares . But so soone as Italy was deliuered from the Gotti , Iustiniano died , leauing Iustino his sonne to succeed him , who through counsell of Sophia his mother , The acts of Longino . reuoked Narsete from Italy , & in his place , sent Longino his sonne thither . This Longino following the order of his predecessors , inhabited Rauenna , & setled in Italy a new fourme of gouernment , appointing no Gouernours of Prouinces as did the Gotti , but created in euerie cittie and towne of importance a Chieftaine , whome he called Duke . In which diuision , he allotted no more honour to Rome , then to other townes , because he tooke from thence the Consuls and Senate , ( which names till that day had bene euer there mainteined ) reducing all vnder one Duke , who was yearely sent thither from Rauenna , and his gouernment called the Romane Dukedome : but the generall Gouernour , who continually remained at Rauenna by the Emperours commaundement , and gouerned all Italy vnder him , was called Esarco . This diuision , made the ruine of Italy to be more easie , and gaue opportunitie to the Longobardi to vsurpe the same . The gouernment of that country gotten by the vertue and blood of Narsete , thus taken from him , The acts of Alboino . & he being also by Sophia iniured , reuiled & threatned to be called home and spinne with women , moued him so greatly to chollor and offence , that he perswaded Alboino King of the Lombardi ( who at that time reigned in Pannonia ) to come into Italy , & conquere it . The Longobardi beeing ( as is aforesaid ) entered into those countries neare Danubio , who had lately bene abandoned by the Heruli and Turingi , when by their King Odoacre they were led into Italy : for a time they there remained . But the kingdome being come to Alboino a man couragious & cruel , they passed the riuer Danubio , and fought with Comundo King of the Zepedi , and ouerthrew him in Pannonia , which hee then possessed . Alboino in this victorie amongst others , happened to take prisoner the daughter of Comundo , called Rosmundo , married her , and thereby became Lord of Pannonia . Then mooued by the crueltie of his nature , hee made a cup of her fathers hed , whereof in memorie of the victorie ) he vsed to drinke . But then called into Italy by Narsete ( with whome in the warres of the Gotti hee had acquaintance and friendship ) left Pannonia to the Vuni , who after the death of Attila ( as is aforesaid ) were returned into their countrey . Then he came againe into Italy , where finding the same into many partes diuided , sodenly wan Pania , Millan , Verona , Vicenza , all Toscana , and the more part of Flamminia , now called Romagna . So that perswading himselfe through so many and so speedie successes , to haue already ( as it were ) gotten the victorie of all Italy , hee celebrated a solemne feast in Verona , whereat , being by drinking much , become very merry , and seeing the skull of Comundo full of wine , hee caused the same to be presented to the Queene Rosmunda , who sat ouer against him at the table ( saying vnto her , with so loude a voice that euerie one might heare him ) that she should now at this feast drinke with her father : which speech pearced the Lady to the heart , and she forthwith determined to reuenge the same . Then knowing that Almachilde ( a valiant young gentleman of Lombardi ) loued a maiden of hers , of whome hee obtained to lie with her , and the Queene beeing priuy to that consent , did her selfe tarry in the place of their meeting , which beeing without light , Almachilde came thither , and supposing to haue lien with the mayden , enioyed the Queene her mistresse , which done , the Queene discouered her selfe and said vnto him , that it was in his power to kill Alboino , and possesse her with her kingdome foreuer : but if hee refused so to do , shee would procure that Alboino should kill him , as one that had abused his wife . To this motion and murther of Alboino , Almachilde consented . After the murther performed , finding that he could not according to his expectation enioy the kingdome , and fearing to be slaine of the Lombardes for the loue they bare to Alboino , the Queene and hee taking their princely treasure and iewels , fled to Longino at Rauenna , who honorably there receiued them . During these troubles , Iustiniano the Emperour died , and in his place was elected Tiberio , who beeing occupied in the warres against the Parthi , could not go to the reliefe of Italy . Whereby Longino hoped that time would well serue him , with the countenance of Rosmunda and helpe of her treasure , to become King of Lombardy and all Italy . And conferring his intent with the Queene , perswaded her to kill Almachilde , and take him for her husband : shee accepted and agreed vnto that which hee perswaded , preparing a cup of wine poisoned , and with her owne hand shee offered the same to Almachilde , comming from a bath hote and thriftie : hee hauing drunke halfe the wine , and finding his bodie thereby greatly mooued , mistrusting the poison , enforced Rosmunda to drinke the rest , whereof both the one and the other within fewe houres died , and Longino bereft of his expectation to become King . The acts of Clefi . The Longobardi in the meane while assembling themselues in Pauia , ( which was the chiefe Cittie of their kingdome ) elected there Clefi their King , who reedified Imola , which had bene ruinated by Narsete , hee wan Rimino , and almost euerie place from thence to Rome : but in the midst of these his victories , hee died . This Clefi was so cruell , not onely to strangers , but also to his owne subiects the Longobardi , as they were so terrified with his kingly authoritie , that after his daies , they determined no more to make anie King , but elected amongst them selues thirtie persons , The Lombardi refused to be gouerned by Kings . whome they called Dukes , giuing them iurisdiction ouer the rest : which was the cause that the Longobardi did not proceed in the conquest of all Italy , and that their kingdome did not extend further then Beneuento , and that Rome , Rauenna , Cremona , Mantoua , Padoua , Monselice , Parma , Bologna , Faenza , Furli , and Cesena , some of them defended them selues a time , and some other were neuer taken . Because the Lombardi wanting a King , their warres proceeded the more slowlie , and after the election of a new King ( by reason of their libertie ) were lesse obedient and more apt to mutinie among them selues , which thing , first hindered the victorie , and in the end draue them out of Italy . The Longobardi being come to this estate , the Romanes and Longino made with them an agreement . The effect thereof was , that euerie one of them should lay downe their armes , and enioy so much as they possessed . At what time the Bishops of Rome , aspired to authoritie . In that time the Bishops of Rome began to aspire vnto more authoritie then they had in times past : for by meane of the holy life of S. Peter , and some other Bishops with their godly examples , and the miracles by them done , they became much reuerenced amongst men , and greatly encreased the christian Religion . In so much as Princes were occasioned ( the more easily thereby to appease the great disorder and confusion of the world ) to obey them . The Emperour then being become a Christian and remooued from Rome to Constantinople , it came to passe ( as is aforesaid ) that the Romane Empyre decaied , and the Church of Rome the rather thereby encreased : notwithstanding till the comming of the Longobardi , Italy being subiect either to Emperours or Kings , the Empyre still prospered : and the Bishops of Rome had no greater authoritie then their learning and good life did deserue . For in all other thinges , either by the Kings or by the Emperours , they were commaunded , The remooue of the Emperiall seat from Rome , the cause of the Popes greatnes . and as their ministers imploied , and sometimes put to death . But he that made the Bishops to become of greatest authoritie in Italy , was Theodorico King of the Gotti ; when he remoued his royall seate to Rauenna . For thereby Rome remaining without a Prince , the Romanes were enforced to yeeld their obedience to the Pope . Yet did not his authoritie thereby greatly encrease , because he could not procure to him selfe more preheminence , then that the Church of Rome should haue precedence before the Church of Rauenna . But the Longobardi being come , and Italy diuided into diuerse parts , occasioned the Pope to take the more vppon him : for he , then beeing as it were chiefe of Rome , the Emperour of Conctantinople and the Longobardi , did respect him so much , as the Romanes by his meanes , not as subiects , but as companions with the Longobardi and with Longino , ioyned . Thus the Popes sometimes by the fauour of the Longobardi , and sometime with the countenance of the Grecians , The East Empyre suppressed in the reigne of Eracleo . encreased their dignitie . But after the destruction of the Empyre in the East , ( which happened in the time of the Emperour Eracleo ) because the people called Sclaui , assaulted & conquered againe Iliria , calling the same by their owne name Sclauonia , the other partes of the Empyre were assailed , first by the Persians , and after by the Sarasins , who came from Arabia , conducted by Mahomet : and last of all by the Turkes . These people amongst them , possessed Soria , Affrica , and Egipt . So that the Empyre weakened , the Pope dispaired to haue succour there , in time of his necessitie . On the other side , the power of the Longobardi encreasing , it behooued him to seeke some new friendship , and for the same resorted to the Kinges of France . The troubles of Italy , caused by the ambition of Popes . So as after that time , all the warres made vppon Italy by forraine people , were by the Bishops of Rome occasioned : and all the barbarous nations , who repaired in so great multitudes to Italy , were for the moste part by them called thither , which manner of proceeding continueth in our dayes , and hath heretofore kept , and yet dooth keepe Italy weake and impotent . Therefore in discourse of such thinges as haue happened since those , to these our daies , By what meanes the present Princes of Italy aspired . more shall not be said of the distruction of the Empyre , which is altogither cast downe and ruined . But wee will heerafter discourse by what meanes the Popes and those other Potentates which till the comming of Carlo the eight , gouerned Italy , haue atteined to their greatnes , whereby we shal conceiue , how the Popes first by their censures , after with them , and their armes mixed with indulgences , became terrible & venerable : and how by euill vsing the one & the other , they haue altogither lost the vse of their armes , & in the other , they stand at discretion . But returning to the order of our matter , I say , that Gregorio the third , beeing atteined to the Papacy , & Aistulpho to the kingdome of Lombardy , contrarie to the agreement afore made , surprized Rauenna , and made warre against the Pope Gregorio : who ( for the occasions aforesaid ) not trusting any more to the Emperour of Constantinople beeing then weake , neither reposing trust in the Longobardi , who had diuerse times distressed him , fled for ayde to Pipino the second , who from beeing Lord of Austracia and Brabancia was become King of France : not so much for his owne vertue , as his fathers Carlo Martello , and his graundfathers Pipino , because Carlo Martello beeing Gouernour of that Kingdome , wonne that memorable victorie against the Sarasins neare vnto Torsci , vpon the riuer of Era : wherein were slaine two hundred thousand Sarasins . For which cause Pipino his sonne , for the reputation of his father and his owne vertue , became after , king in that kingdome : vnto whome Pope Gregorio ( as is beforesaid ) sent for ayde against the Longobardi . Pipino answered , that hee was very willing to performe his request , Gregorio tertio . Pope Theodoro primo . but first desired to see him , and in his presence to honour him . For which purpose Gregorio trauailed into France , and without any let , passed the townes of the Longobardi his enemies : so great reuerence was then borne to that Religion . Gregorio arriued in France , was there greatly honoured by the King , and sent back accompanied with the Kings forces , who in Pauia besieged the Longobardi , wherby Aistulpho was enforced to make peace with the Frenchmen : which hee did at the request of the Pope , who desired not the death of his enemie , but that hee should conuert and liue . In which peace Aistulpho promised to render vnto the Church all those townes thereto belonging , and by him vsurped . But the French souldiers returned home , Aistulpho obserued not the conditions of the peace , which beeing knowen to the Pope , hee prayed ayde a new of Pipino , who sent againe into Italy , where hee ouerthrew the Lombardy , tooke Rauenna , and contrarie to the will of the Grecian Emperour , gaue the same vnto the Pope , with all other townes vnder his Esarcato , adding also to them , the countrie of Vrbino and La Marca : during the time that these townes were in bestowing , Aistulpho died ; and Desiderio a Lombard and Duke of Tuscan tooke armes to vsurpe the kingdome , and praied ayde of the Pope , to whome hee promised his friendship : which request was graunted , and the other Princes gaue place . Desiderio at the beginning kept his promise , and according to the conditions made with Pipino , rendred the townes allotted vnto the Pope , neither did the Esarco of Constantinople , after that time come any more in Rauenna , but all things were gouerned according to the pleasure and direction of the Pope . Then died the King Pipino , to whome succeeded his sonne called Carlo , who for the great and memorable exploites by him done , was called Magno . To the Papacy was at that time aspired Theodoro Primo . He falling into contention with Disiderio , was by Disiderio besieged in Rome , and constrained to craue ayde of Carlo , who speedily passed the mountaines , besieged Desiderio in Pauia , and tooke him with all his Children . And hauing sent them prisoners into France , went in person to visit the Pope at Rome , where hee pronounced this sentence , That the Pope beeing Vicar of God , could not be iudged of men . For the which , Great honour dore to the pope by Carlo magno , with indignitie to the Emperors the Pope with the people of Rome , created him Emperour . In this manner , Rome beganne to haue an Emperour againe in the West . And where the Popes were woont to take their instaulation from the Emperours , after this time the Emperours in their election , would needes take their authoritie from the Pope : wherby the reputation of the Empire decreased , and the Church gained the same . By these meanes , the Popes grew great , and kept downe the authoritie of temporall Princes . The Longobardi hauing then bene in Italy 232. yeares , there was of them none other marke of straungers then the name : and Carlo being desirous to reforme that Countrey ( in the time of Pope Leo the third ) was pleased they should inhabit those places , where they were borne , and called that prouince of their name , Lombardia . But forasmuch as they had the name of Rome in great reuerence , hee commaunded that all the next Countrey to it adioyning ( then in the obedience of the Esarcato of Rauenna ) should bee called Romagna . Moreouer , he created Pipino his sonne King of Italy , the iurisdiction whereof extended to Beneuento : the rest remained to the Emperour in Greece , with whom Carlo had concluded a league . About this time Pascale the first was become Pope : and the priestes of the parishes in Rome , Pope Pascale 1. by reason of their nearenesse to the Popes person , and their presence at his election , to honour their authoritie , with a more venorable title beganne to bee called Cardinals , taking vnto them great reputation , chiefly after they had excluded the Romanes from the election of the Pope , Originall of Cardinals , by Pope Pascale 1. who ( almost euer before that time ) was some Citizen of Rome . Pascale beeing dead , Eugenio secundo , of the order of Santa Sabina , was elected Pope . And Italy beeing then in the handes of French men , did partly alter the order of gouernment , and the more for that the Popes had in the temporalities thereof gained greater authoritie and made Earles and Marqueses , as before time , Longino Esarco of Rauenna had created Dukes . After a fewe other Bishops , Osporco a Romane , aspired to the Papacy ; who for the homelinesse of his name , The first occasion why the Popes did take new names at ther election . caused himselfe to be called Sergio : which was the beginning why the names of Popes was chaunged at their elections . By this time Carlo the Emperour was dead , to whome succeded Lodouico his sonne . After his death , there grew so great contention amongst his sonnes , that in the time of his graund-children , the Empire was taken from the house of France , and brought into Germany , At what time the Empire was taken from the house of France . where the first Emperour of that nation was called Ainolfo : and by meanes of these disorders , the family of Carlo , did loose not onely the Empire , but also the kingdome of Italy , because the Lombardi recouered their strength and offended the Pope and Romanes so much , as the Pope not knowing how to bee helped , for necessitie gaue the Kingdome of Italy to Berengario Duke of Erieoli . The kingdom of Italy , giuen to Beringario . These accidents encouraged the Vnni , who then remained in Pannonia to assault Italy . But beeing come to triall of battle with Berengario , they were vanquished , and forced to returne into Pannonia , now called Vngaria : which countrey hath euer since reteyned their name . At that time Romano Chieftaine of the Emperiall Armie , deposed his maister Constantino , and made himselfe Emperour in Greece . By reason whereof , Puglia and Calauria rebelled from the obedience of the Empire , and suffered the Sarasins to come thither : who beeing there , and possessing the Countries , attempted to besiege Rome . But the Romaines , ( because Beringario was occupied in the warres against the Vnni ) made Albarigo Duke of Tuscan their Captaine , by whose vertue , Rome was saued from the Sarasins . They beeing departed from the siege , builded a Castle vppon the mountaine called Gargano , and from thence they commaunded Puglia and Calauria , and disturbed the rest of Italy . Thus in those dayes Italy was maruellously afflicted : towardes the Alpes , assaulted by the Vnni , and towards Naples , by the Sarasins . In these miseries Italy many yeares remained , vnder three Kings of the Beringarii , one succeeding an other . In which time , the Pope and the Church were continually molested ; and by meanes of diuision of the princes in the West , and the weakenesse of the Emperour in the Easte , knewe not where to bee succoured . The Cittie of Genoua , with all the Riuers thereto belonging , were in those dayes by the Sarasins destroyed : whereof came the greatnesse of the Cittie of Pisa , for thither manie people fled for refuge . This happened in the yeare of the Christian religion , nine hundreth thirtie and one . But Ottone sonne of Enrico and Matilda Duke of Saxony ( a man exceeding wise & of great reputation ) being become Emperour , Agabito then Pope , How Italy was gouerned . Anno. 931. praied him to come into Italy , and saue him from the tyrannie of the Berengarii . The states of Italy were in those daies thus disposed . Lombardy was vnder Berengario the third , and his sonne Alberto . Toscana and Romagna , were gouerned by the deputies of the Emperour in the West . Puglia & Calauria , partly to the Emperour in Greece , and partly to the Sarasins obeyed . In Rome were elected yearly of the nobilitie two Consuls , who according to the auncient custome ruled that Citie . Vnder them was appointed a Iudge to minister iustice to the people . There was also a councell of twelue men , which gaue gouernours to the townes subiect vnto Rome . The Pope had in Rome more or lesse authoritie , according to the fauour hee found with the Emperours , or others , that were there most mightie . Then came the Emperour Ottone into Italy , and tooke the kingdome thereof from the Berengarii : who therein had raigned , fiftie fiue yeares , and therewith had restored the Pope to his dignitie . This Emperour had one sonne , and one nephew , both also named Ottoni , the one and the other of them succeeded in the Empire . In the raigne of Ottone the third , Pope Gregorio quinto , was by the Romanes driuen out , and Ottone came into Italy , to put him again into the possession of Rome . The Pope then to be reuenged of the Romans , The election of the Emperour giuen to the Germans . Ann. 1002. tooke from them the authoritie of creation of the Emperour , & gaue the same to the Germaines , appointing three Bishops of Maguntia , Treueri , & Colonia : & three secular Princes ; the Marques of Brandenburge , the Earle Palatine of the Rhein , & the Duke of Sassonia to be electors , which constitution was made in the yeare 1002. After the death of Ottone the third , Enrico Duke of Bauiera , was by these electors , made Emperour , and after twelue yeares , by Pope Stephano the eight crowned . This Enrico and Simionda his wife , were persons of most godly life , as appeareth by diuerse churches by them builded and endowed . Amongst which number was the temple of S. Miniato , neare to the Citie of Florence : Enrico died in the yeare 1023. After whom raigned Currado of Sueuia , and after him Enrico the second , who came into Italy , & the church then being in schisme , found there , three Popes : all whom he deposed , & caused Clemente secundo to be elected , Three Popes deposed by Enrico 2. & of him was he crowned Emperour . In those dayes Italy was gouerned , partly by the people , partly by the Princes , & partly by the ministers of the Emperour : of whom , the chiefe was called Chancelor . Among the Princes Gotfredi , & the Countesse Matilda his wife , borne of Beatrice sister to Enrico the second , were most potent : for she and her husband possessed Lucca , Parma , Reggio , and Mantoua , with all that countrey at this day called Patrimonio . The ambition of the people of Rome , did at that time make much warre with the Popes : for they , hauing helped the Pope to driue out the Emperors , and reformed the Cittie as to them seemed good , sodeinly became enemies to him . And the Popes receiued more iniuries at their hands , The Romans auncient enemies to the Pope . than at any other Christian Princes . And euen in those dayes when the censure of the Popes made all the West of the world to tremble , yet euen then , the people of Rome rebelled . And both the Popes , and the people studied for nothing so much , as how one of them , might ouerthrow the authoritie and estimation of the other . Nicholao secundo being aspired to the Papacy , tooke from the Romanes the creation of the Pope , The creation of the Pope taken from the Romanes . as his predecessour Gregorio quinto , had before taken from them , the election of the Emperour , hee made also a constitution that the election of the Popes should from thencefoorth appertaine to the Cardinals . Neither was he so contented , but compounding with some Princes that then gouerned Calauria and Puglia ( for such reasons as shall be hereafter declared ) constrained all the officers appointed by the Romanes , to yeeld their obedience to the Popes , and remooued some of them from their offices . After the death of Nicholao , there happened a schisme in the church , because the Clergie of Lombardy would not obey Alexander the second , elected at Rome , but created Gadalo of Parma Antipope . Enrico , hating the greatnesse of these Bishops , sent vnto the Pope Alessandro , requiring him to resigne the Papacy , & command the Cardinals to go into Germany , there to elect a new Pope . This Enrico was the first Prince that felt the force of spirituall displeasure . The originall of the Guelfi , and Gibellini . An. 1080. For the Pope called a new counsaile in Rome , whereat he depriued him from the empire and kingdome . After that time , some people of Italy followed the Pope , and some the Emperour , which was the beginning of the factions who called themselues Guelfi and Gibellini . Thus Italy deliuered from forreine inuasion , by ciuill discord began to be tormented . Enrico being excommunicate , was by his owne people constrained to come to Rome on barefoote , and kneele to the Pope for pardon . Which happened in the yeare 1080. Notwithstanding shortly after , there happened a new discord betwixt the Pope & Enrico . Wherupon the Pope again did excommunicate the Emperour , who sent forthwith his son ( also called Enrico ) with an army to Rome . He with the helpe of the Romanes ( who hated the Pope ) besieged him in his castle , till Roberto Guiscardo came from Puglia to the rescue . Enrico tarried not his comming , but returned alone into Germany . The Romanes persisted in their obstinacie : Rome sacked . so that Rome was againe by Roberto sacked and brought vnto the former ruine , notwithstanding it had bene lately by diuerse Popes repaired . And because of this Roberto the kings of Naples be descended , it seemeth not superfluous particulerly to set downe his actions and discent . After the disunion happened among the heires of Carlo Magno , ( as haue bene before declared ) the same occasioned a new people of the North , called Normandi to assaile France , and conquered that country , which is called of them , Normandia : of those people , some part came into Italy , in the time that the Berengarii , Saraseni and Vnni troubled the same . They also tooke some townes in Romagna , which warres , they vertuously performed . Of those Normaine princes , one called Tancredi , begot diuerse sonnes : amongst whom was Guglielmo surnamed Terabar , The discent of the kings of Napoli . and Roberto called Guiscardo . The principalitie being come to Guglielmo , and the tumults of Italy somewhat ceased , the Saraseni did notwithstanding still hold Sicilia , and continually made rodes vpon the land of Italy . For which cause , Guglielmo agreed with the prince of Capoua and Salerno , and with Melorco the Greeke , ( who gouerned Puglia and Calauria for the Emperour of Greece ) to assault Sicilia , and after victorie , it was condescended amongst them , to diuide the places victored , by foure parts . This enterprise had fortunate successe , and the Saraseni driuen out , they possessed Sicilia . After which victorie Melorco secretly caused men to come from Grecia , and for the Emperour tooke possession of the whole Iland , not diuiding the spoyle , but tooke all to his owne share , wherewith Guglielmo became discontented , yet hiding his offence till a time more conuenient , departed from Sicilia with the princes of Salerno , and Capoua : who being departed vpon the way homewards , Guglielmo returned not to Romagna , but with his souldiers marched towards Puglia , where he wonne Melfi . And shortly after ( notwithstanding the forces of the Grecian Emperour ) he possessed well neare all Puglia and Calauria . In which prouinces , he gouerned in the time of Nicholao secundo . Roberto Guiscardo his brother , hauing many differents with his nephewes , for the inheritance of land , vsed the authoritie of the Pope , to compound them . And the Pope did willingly fauour him , being desirous to haue the friendship of Roberto , to the end that against the Emperours of Germany , and the people of Rome , he might be defended , as in effect , it fell after out , and hath bene alreadie declared , how at the request of Gregorio septimo , he draue Enrico from the siege of Rome , & subdued the people therein . To Roberto succeeded Ruggeri and Guglielmo , his sonnes . To their possessions he annexed Napoli , and all those lands which lie betweene Napoli and Rome . He gaue also Sicilia vnto Ruggero . But Guglielmo going afterwards to Constantinople to marry the Emperours daughter , was by Ruggero depriued of his Country . Ruggero after this victorie became insolent , and called himselfe king of Italy : yet after contented with the title of King of Puglia and Sicilia , was the first that gaue name and lawe to that kingdome , which to this day within the auncient boundes thereof , is mainteined . Notwithstanding it hath many times exchaunged both blood and Nation . Because the race of Normandie beeing worne out , the Kingdome came to the handes of the Germaines , from them , to the French men , from the French to the Aragonesi , and at this day it is possessed by the Flemmings . Now was Vrbano the second , Pope Vrbano . 2. become Pope , who being hated in Rome , and fearing through the disuniting of Italy , he could not in securitie there remaine : determined a glorious enterprise . First hee went into France , accompanied with all his Clergie , and in the citie of Anuersa , he assembled many people : to whom he made a solemne Oration , wherin he persuaded an enterprise against the Saraseni , which tooke so great effect , as the people were desirous to performe the same ; which enterprise ( with all others to that purpose ) were called Crociata . For all those men that went in that iourney , La Crociata . weare vppon their Armours and garments , a redde Crosse . The princes and chiefe leaders of that enterprise , were Gotfredi Eustachio , and Alduino di Bulgo , Earle of Bologna , with one Pietro an Hermit : who for his godlie life and wisedome was greatly respected . To this iourney , manie Kinges contributed treasure , and manie priuate men without paie , therein personally serued . So great effectes did the religion worke in those dayes , to perswade the mindes of men , moued with the example of such as were their heads . This enterprise had in the beginning glorious successe : for all Asia minor , Soria , and part of Egipt , were therein conquered by the Christians . At which time beganne the order of Knighthood of Ierusalem , The originall of knights of Ierusalem . which to this day continueth , and is the chiefe obstacle to the Turkes . About that time also grew the order of the Knights , Templarii : which for their euil life was shortly after suppressed . In diuerse times following , diuerse accidents happened : wherin many nations and many particuler men were aduaunced . For the furnishing of this enterprise , the Kinges of Fraunce and England , the Pisani , Venetians , and Genouesi , passed the sea , and gained great reputation , fighting in fortune variable , till the time of Saladino the Sarasine : whose vertue ( the rather through discord of the Christians ) did in the ende recouer all , that before had bene gotten . So were the Christians after foure scorce and tenne yeares driuen out of those Countries , which with great honour and happinesse they had wonne and defended . After the death of Vrbano , Pascale secundo was created Pope : Pope Pascale 2. and Enrico the fourth became Emperour , who went to Rome , pretending friendship to the Pope , but beeing arriued there , by force hee tooke the Pope prisoner , and put him with all his Clergie in prison : from whence they could not bee discharged , till the Pope had graunted , that the Emperour might dispose of the Churches in Germany as himselfe thought good . Then died the Countesse Matilda , and made the Church heire of all her Countrey . After the death of Pascale and Enrico the fourth succeeded diuerse Popes , and diuerse Emperours , till at length , to the Papacie was elected Alissandro tertio , and to the Empire , Pope Alessandro . 3. Federigo Sueuo called Barbarossa . The popes in that time had manie quarrelles with the people of Rome , and the Emperours : which were encreased in the raigne of Barbarossa . Federigo was a man of warre most excellent , but therewith so haughtie of minde and courage , as hee disdained to giue place to the pope , notwithstanding , hee came to Rome to bee Crowned Emperour , and peaceably returned into Germanie : though hee remayned there not very long contented . For shortly after , he came againe into Italy to reforme some Towns in Lombardy , which would not obey him . At that time it happened , the Cardinal of S. Clement , by Nation a Romane , deuided himselfe from the Pope Alissandro , & found meanes ( by fauour of some Cardinalls ) to be also chosen Pope . At that instant , Federigo the Emperour was with his Armie before the Citie of Crema : to whom Alissandro complained of the Antipope ; the Emperour answered , that both he and the Antipope should come vnto him , and then he would decide their controuersie , and iudge which of them were true Pope . This answere displeased Alissandro , who conceauing thereby , that the Emperour was inclined to fauour the Antipope , did excommunicate him , and fled to Phillip King of Fraunce . Federigo in the meane while , proceeding in the Warres of Lombardy , tooke Millan , and razed it : which was the cause , that Verona , Padoua , and Vicenza ( by common consent ) determined to resist him . Then died the Antipope , in whose place Federigo created Guido of Cremona . The Romanes by meanes of the Popes absence , and the busines of the Emperour in Lombardy , had recouered a little authoritie in Rome , & began to command some Townes vnder them ▪ and because the Tusculani would not yeeld to their authoritie , they went popularly to assaile them ; who being aided by Federigo , the Romanes were ouerthrowne with so great slaughter , as after that Ouerthrow Rome was neuer well peopled , nor rich . In this meane space , Pope Alissandro was returned to Rome , perswading himselfe that through the enmitie of the Romanes and Federigo , he might there safely remaine : and the rather , by reason of the Enemies which the Emperour had in Lombardy . Neuertheles , Federigo ( setting aside all respectes ) besieged Rome : where Alissandro tarried not his comming , but fled to Gulielmo King of Puglia , who after the death of Ruggiero remained Heire of that Kingdome . Federigo driuen thence by the Plague , left the Siege , and returned into Germany . The Townes of Lombardy which were rebelled , to the end they might the rather recouer Pauia & Tortona , ( which stood for the Emperor ) built a new Cittie , to be the refuge of that Warre , calling the same Alissandria , in honour of the Pope Alissandro , and in despite of the Emperour Federigo . Then died Guidone Antipope : in whose place Giouanni of Fermo was created . He , through the fauour of the Emperours Faction in Montefiascone , there dwelled : Pope Alissandro in the meane time was gone into Tuscolo , called thether by that People ; hoping that with his authoritie he might defend them from the Romanes . Thither came Embassadors from Enrico King of England , to declare vnto the Pope , that their King was not culpable in the murther of Thomas Bishop of Canterbury , as he had bene publiquely slandered . For triall whereof , the Pope sent two Cardinals into England , to examine the truth of that matter : who found the King not guiltie . Neuertheles , in respect of the infamie , and that he had not honoured that holy Man according to his desert ; they enioyned the King for penance to assemble his Nobilitie , and in their presence to sweare and protest his innocencie : The King of England put to penance by Pope Alissandro . and was moreouer commanded , that with all speed , he should at his proper charge send two hundred Souldiers to Ierusalem , and there paye them for one yeare ; and himselfe within three yeares to goe thither in person , and lead with him an Armie the greatest that hee could possibly make : besides that , hee should disanull all things done within his Kingdome , to the preiudice of the Libertie Ecclesiasticall , and consent , that all and euerie Subiect of his might appeale to Rome . All which things Enrico graunted : and notwithstanding hee were a mightie King , submitted himselfe to that Iudgement , which ( at this day ) euerie priuate man would be ashamed to yeeld vnto . But notwithstanding the Popes great power ouer Princes farre off , yet could he not make himselfe obeyed of the Romanes : by whom hee was not suffered to dwell at Rome , though he promised not to intermeddle in anie thing , saue only the Ecclesiasticall gouernment . Hereby may be noted , that things which seeme to bee , and be not , are dreaded more farre of , then feared neare at hand . By this time , Federigo was returned to Italy , and being prepared to make new warres with the Pope , all his prelates and Barons gaue him to vnderstand , that they intended to leaue him , vnlesse he reconciled himselfe to the church : whereby this Emperour was constrained to go vnto Venice , and there to adore the pope ; whereof ensued a full pacification . In this peace the pope depriued the Emperor of all his authoritie in Rome , and named Gulielmo king of Sicilia and Puglia for his confederate . Federigo not content to liue in peace , but louing the warres , determined to enterprise Asia , & so gain glory against Mahomet , which against the Pope he could not . But being arriued at the riuer Cidno , enticed with the excellencie of that water , The death of Federigo the Emperor . hee washed himself therin , & sodenly died . Wherby may be imagined that water did more good to the Mahumetans , then the popes excommunication to the Christians : because the excommunication did only allay the Emperors ambition , but this water did vtterly quench it . Federigo being dead , it remained onely for the pope to reforme the disobedience of the Romans : & after many disputations touching the creation of the Consuls , it was agreed , that ( according to the ancient custom ) they shuld be elected by the Romans : yet before they tooke their office vppon them , they should sweare fidelitie to the church ; which agreement , caused Giouanni the Antipope to flie to Monte Albano , where shortly after hee died . Then died also Gulielmo king of Napoli , who hauing one onely sonne called Tancredi , the pope determined to take that kingdome from him , but the nobilitie thereof would not consent to the pope , resoluing to yeelde their obedience to Tancredi . At that time Celestino tertio was pope , Pope Celestino 3. who desirous to take the kingdome from Tancredi , sought meanes that Enrico sonne of Federigo should be made Emperour , and promised him the kingdome of Naples , vpon condition that he should restore vnto the church all those townes thereunto belonging . And to make that action the more easie , hee tooke out of a monastery , Gostanza an olde woman , daughter of Gulielmo , and married her vnto Federigo . Thus passed the kingdome of Naples to the Germaines from the Normands , who were the auncient founders thereof . So soone as Enrico the Emperour had setled all thinges in Germany , hee came into Italy , accompanied with Gostanza his wife , and his sonne , but foure yeares old , called Federigo . Where , with some difficultie ( because Tancredi was dead , leauing onely a litle sonne called Rogeri ) he possessed the kingdom . Within a small time after in Sicilia died Enrico , to whome Federigo succeeded in the kingdome , and to the Empire was elected Ottone Duke of Sassonia , through fauour of pope Innocentio quarto . But so soone as he was crowned Emperour , Pope Innocentio 4. contrary to all expectation , hee became enemie to the pope , surprised Romagna , and prepared to assault the kingdome . For which dooing , the pope did excommunicate him , all other men left him , and the electors created Federigo king of Napoli . Then came Federigo to Rome for the crowne , but the pope fearing his greatnesse , denied him , and sought to remooue him out of Italy , as hee had done before to Ottone . Therewith Federigo offended , went into Germany , and made much warre against Ottone , and at length ouerthrew him . In the meane while died Innocentio , who ( besides other his notable workes ) builded the Hospitall of Santo spirito in Rome . Pope Honorio 3. erector of the order of S. Francisco Anno 1218. After him succeeded Honorio tertio , in whose time , beganne the orders of Santo Dominico and Francisco , the yeare 1218. This pope crowned Federigo , vnto whome Giouanni descended of Bauldouino king of Ierusalem , who ( with the remaine of the Christians in Asia still possessed that title ) gaue his kingdome to his daughter in marriage . Hereof it commeth , that who so euer is King of Napoli , is also intituled king of Ierusalem . Italy in those dayes was thus gouerned . The Romaynes made no more Consuls in Rome , but in steed of them , they created ( with the same authoritie ) sometimes one , & sometime more Senators . The league which the cities of Lombardy had made against Federigo Barbarossa , still continued . The Cities confedered against the Emperour , were Milano , Brescia , Mantoua , with the greater part of Romagna : and with them Verona , Vicenza , Padoua , and Treuigi . On the Emperours part , were Cremona , Bargamo , Parma , Reggio , Modena , & Trento . The other Cities and Castles of Lombardy , Romagna , and La Marca Treuigiana , according to their necessitie , fauoured somtimes the one , and sometimes the other part . In the time of Ottone the third , came into Italy a man called Ezelino , Ezelino . of whom remained one sonne , who likewise begot an other Ezelino , he being rich & mightie , folowed Federigo the second , who was ( as hath bene before said ) enemy to the Pope . This Emperour brought into Italy , by the fauour of Ezelino , tooke Verona and Mantoua , razed Vicenza , surprized Padoua , & vanquished the army of the townes confederate : & in the end , marched towards Toscana . Ezelino in the meane time , surprized La Marca Triuigiana , but he could not take Ferrara , being defended by Azone of Este , & other soldiers sent by the Pope from Lombardy . Azone de Este first Duke of Farrara . The siege then leuied , the Pope gaue that citie in Feudo to Azone of Este , of whome be descended all those princes , that till this day haue there gouerned . Federigo staied at Pisa , & being desirous to become Lord of Toscana , the rather to possesse the same , & discouer those that fauoured him , from the other that were his enemies , practised diuision among the people of the country , which was afterwards the ruine of all Italy . Because then the factions of Guelfi & Ghibellini encreased , calling them Guelfi that followed the Pope , and Ghibellini that followed the Emperour . In Pistoia , these names of faction , were first begun . Federigo leauing Pisa , by many meanes assaulted & spoiled the townes belonging to the church : Insomuch , that the Pope not hauing other remedie , proclaimed his Crociata against him , as did his predecessours against the Saraseni . The Emperor forced to entertaine Sarasins . Federigo then fearing to be abandoned by his souldiers ( as Federigo Barbarossa and other Emperours had bene ) enterteined great numbers of Sarasins , and to make them more willing to serue ( knowing that they feared not the Popes curses ) he gaue them the citie of Nocera in the kingdome : perswading himselfe , that they hauing that refuge , Pope Innocent 4. might serue him with the more securitie . Innocentio quarto became Pope , and mistrusting Federigo , went to Genoua , and from thence into France : and called a Councell at the citie of Lions . Whereunto Federigo determined to goe , but was withholden by the rebellion of Parma : from which enterprise repulsed , he went into Toscana , and thence , into Sicilia , where he died , leauing in Sucuia his eldest sonne Corrado , and in Puglia his other sonne , ( being base borne ) called Manfredi , whome hee had made Duke of Beneuento . Corrado beeing come for possession of the kingdome , arriued at Napoli , and there died , leauing one litle sonne called Curradino : who at that time remained in Germany . Then Manfredi first as gouernour to Curradino , and after reporting that Curradino was dead ) against the Popes will , & the Neapolitans also ( whom he forced to consent ) made himselfe king . During these troubles in the kingdome , happened many quarrels betweene the factions of Guelfi and Ghibilini , the one being fauoured by the Popes Legate , and the other by Ezelino , who possessed welneare all Lombardy , on the other side of the riuer Po. And because in this warre , The death of Ezelino . the citie of Padoua rebelled , Ezelino put to death twelue thousand Cittizens thereof , and he himselfe before the end of the warre , being then thirtie yeares of age , was slaine . After his death , all the townes by him possessed became free . Manfredi king of Napoli , according to the custome of his auncestors , continued enemie to the church , Pope Vrbano 4. holding the Pope ( called Vrbano quarto ) in continuall distresse : in so much as the Pope proclaymed the Crociata against him ; which done , hee went vnto Perugia , where hee remained , aspecting his souldiers . Who ( comming thither slowly and in small numbers ) thought that to vanquish Manfredi , those forces were not sufficient . He therefore praied aide in France , of Carlo Duke of Angio , brother to king Lodouico , creating him king of Sicilia , and Napoli , desiring him to come into Italy , & take possession of those kingdomes . But before Carlo could come to Rome , that Pope died , and Clemente quarto elected . In whose time , Pope Clement 4. Carlo with thirtie gallies came to Ostia , appointing the rest of his army to march thither by land . During his aboad in Rome , the Romanes to honour him , made him a Senator of Rome , and the Pope inuested him in the kingdome , with condition he should paie yearely fiftie thousand florines to the church . The Pope also decreed , that neither Carlo , nor none of his successours in that kingdome , should euer be elected Emperours . Carlo then went on in his iourny against Manfredi , whom he vanquished and slew , neare to Beneuento , whereby hee possessed Sicilia , and the kingdome . Notwithstanding Curradino , to whome by testament of his father that kingdome apperteined , assembling great forces in Germany , came into Italy against Carlo , and fought with him at Tagliacozzo , where he was ouerthrowne ; and being disguised , fled : yet afterwards was taken , and slaine . Italy then continued quiet , Pope Adriano 5. till the raigne of Adriano quinto , at which time , Carlo dwelling in Rome , and gouerning there by the office of Senatour , the Pope could not endure his authoritie , and therefore went to inhabit at Viterbo : from thence he sent vnto Ridolpho the Emperour , desiring him to come into Italy against Carlo . Thus the Popes sometimes for loue of religion , The ambition of Popes , a ruyne to Italy . and sometimes for their owne ambition , ceased not to call into Italy newe men , and stirre vp newe warres . For so soone as any prince was by them made mightie , repenting the same , they practised his ouerthrow . Neither would they suffer that anie should possesse that Countrey , which themselues ( through their weakenesse ) could not . Yet did the Princes alwaies feare them , because either by fighting or flying , they preuailed : if they were not by some practise oppressed , as was Bonifacio octauo , and some others who were taken by colour of friendship , which the Emperours to them pretended . Ridolpho came not into Italy , beeing withholden with his warres against the King of Bohemia . In the meane time died Adriano , and in his place was created Nicholao tertio , descended of the house of Orsini , Pope Adriano 3. a man verie bolde and ambitious . Hee by all meanes possible sought to diminish the authoritie of Carlo : and deuised that Ridolpho the Emperour should complaine , that Carlo mainteined a gouernour in Toscana in fauour of the Guelfi . Carlo gaue credite vnto the Emperour , and reuoked thence his gouernour . And the Pope forthwith sent thither one of his nephewes a Cardinall , to be gouernour for the Empire . So that the Emperour for this honor done vnto him by the Pope , restored Romagna vnto the Church , which by his auncestors had bene taken away . The Pope then created Bertoldo Orsino , Duke of Romagna . And imagining himselfe mightie inough to shewe his face to Carlo , tooke from him the office of Senatour : and made a decree , that no man descended of royall race , should after possesse that dignitie . He had also deuised to take Sicilia from Carlo , and practised with Piero king of Aragon : which practise in the time of his successour tooke effect . He intended moreouer , to make two new kings of his owne house , the one in Lombardy , the other in Tuscan : whose powers might defend the church , both from the Germaines that would attempt to come into Italy , and from the French men , who were alreadie in Napoli . But with this determination , he died . And was the first Pope , that openly manifested his own ambition ; practising ( vnder colour to make the church great ) to honour and enrich his owne kindred . For as before this time , no mention was made of the aduancement of Popes kinsfolkes or posteritie , so afterwards , euery historie doth shew , that the Popes haue studied for nothing more , then how to aduance their owne blood . And as heretofore they haue laboured to make them princes , so ( if it were in their power ) they would now procure the Papacy to be heritable . Yet true it is , that hitherto all principalities by them erected , haue had no long being , for so soone as that Pope ( who ordeined their aduancement ) did faile , the honour of the person aduanced , Pope Martino 3. decaied with him . Then Martino tertio became Pope , who being a French man , fauoured Carlo , and in his aide , sent souldiers vnto Romagna which then rebelled . And his campe being before Furly , Guido Bonati ( a man learned in Astrologie ) perswaded the people , that so soone as hee gaue them a token , they should presently assault their enemies , which they did , & in that victory , al the French men were taken & slain . About this time , the practise of Nicolao tertio with Piero King of Aragon , was put in execution . By meanes whereof , the people of Sicilia murthered all the French men that could be found in that Iland : which done , King Piero tooke possession , alledging , that hauing married Gostanza daughter of Manfredi , that country to him apperteined . Carlo preparing for a new war to recouer his losse , died : leauing one sonne called Carlo the second . Who being taken prisoner in the war of Sicilia , and desirous of libertie , promised to returne to prison , if within three yeares he could not obteine of the Pope , that the house of Aragon should be inuested to the kingdome of Sicilia . Ridolpho the Emperour , intending to haue come into Italy , and recouered the reputation of the Empire , came not , but sent thither an Embassador with authoritie to giue freedome to all those cities , which would buy the same at his hands : as many did , & with their libertie , chaunged also their maner of liuing . Then succeeded to the Empire Adulpho of Sassonia , Pope Celestino and Bonifacio 8. & to the Papacy Pietro Murone , named Pope Celestino : who being an Hermit and full of deuotion , within seuen moneths resigned the Papacy , and Bonifacio Octauo was elected . The heauens knowing a time would come , when Italy should be deliuered , both from the French men and Almaines , & that the country might be recouered wholy in possession of Italians , to the end the Pope failing of straungers , might not be able to hold his reputation , caused two mightie families to arise in Rome . The one called Orsini , the other Colonni : whose power and nearenesse , might keep downe the Popes from aspiring . The Pope Bonifacio aware therof , practised to extirpate the Colonni , & did for that purpose not onely excommunicate them , but also against them published the Crociata . Which proceeding , although it somewhat offended them , yet did it much more offend the church : because those swords which in defence of the faith had vertuously preuailed , being employed for priuate ambition against the Christians , became blunt : and so the Popes desire to enforce the minds of others , wrought a contrary effect , and by litle & litle disarmed themselues . This Pope did also depose two Cardinals of that house of Colonna , and the chiefe of them called Sciarra , disguised himselfe , and fled . Afterwards being taken by Pirates , was made a slaue in a galley , til arriued at Marsilia , was there by fortune knowne , redeemed , and sent into France to King Philippo , who had bene excommunicate , & depriued of his kingdom by Bonifacio . Philippo considering with himselfe , that to make warres with the Pope , either he was not strong inough , or should therin aduenture great dangers : determined to worke by practise , & pretending to procure peace with the Pope , sent secretly Sciarra into Italy , who being come to Anagnia , where the Pope then was , with the aide of friends in the night tooke him . And albeit the people of that towne did shortly after deliuer him , yet of verie melancholly and sorrow , the Pope distraught of his wits , Pope Bonifacio inuentor of the Guibileo . died . This Bonifacio was he that ordeined the Iubilie , in the yeare 1300. and commanded that euery hundreth yeare , the same should be so solemnized . After that time happened many troubles betweene the factions of Guelfi & Ghibellini . And by reason that Italy was abandoned by the Emperors , many towns became free , and many others by tyrants possessed . Pope Benedetto restored the Hat to the Cardinals Colonesi , and absolued Philippo the French King . Pope Clements 5. To him succeeded Clemente quinto , who being a French man , remoued his court into France in the year 1306. In the meane space Carlo the second King of Napoli , died . To that kingdom succeeded Robarto his sonne : and to the Empire , Arrigo of Lucemburgh : who notwithstanding the absence of the Pope from Rome , went thither to be crowned . By meane of that iourney , grew many troubles in Lombardy , because all those that had bene banished , either Guelfi or Ghibellini were admitted to returne to their townes , and there being , made so great quarrels among themselues , as the Emperour with all his power could not appease . The Emperour then departed from Lombardy to Genoua , and so to Pisa , where he practised to take Toscana from the king Robarto . But hauing no successe , went on to Rome , where he remained not long , being driuen out by the Orsini , and the friends of king Robarto . Then returned he to Pisa , where he deuised ( for his better proceeding in the wars of Toscana , and the rather also to remooue king Robarto from his gouernment ) that Frederigo king of Sicilia should assault those countries . But at such time , as hee hoped at one instant ) to performe both those enterprises , he died : and Lodouico of Bauiera , was chosen Emperour . In this meane space , was created Giouanni 22. In whose dayes the Emperour ceased not to persecute the Guelfi , Pope Iohn 22. and the church which was chiefly defended by king Robarto , and the Florentines . Wherof grew great warre in Lombardy , by the Visconti , against the Guelfi , and in Toscana , by Castruccio of Lucca , against the Florentines . And because the family of Visconti , was that which beganne the Dukedome of Milan ( one of the fiue principallities that gouerned Italy ) I thinke good more at large hereafter to intreate of them . After that the league of the cities of Lombardy was concluded , ( as hath bene beforesaid ) and they resolued to defend themselues from Federigo Barbarossa : Milan also being repaired of the ruines , conspired with those cities of the league , to be reuenged of former iniuries . Which league brideled Barbarossa , and for a time gaue countenance to the faction of the church then in Lombardy . During these warres , the house of Torre grew to great reputation , so long as the Emperours had in that country small authoritie . But when Federigo the second , was come into Italy , and the Ghibellini ( through the helpe of Ezelino ) became strong , the humour of Ghibilini sprung vp in euery citie , and the house of Visconti , taking part with that faction , chased out of Milan the family of Torre : yet were they not long out , but by meane of a peace concluded betwixt the Emperour and the Pope , hee with his Court beeing in France , and Arrigo of Lucimburg going to Rome for the Crowne , was receiued into Milan , by Maffeo Visconti , and Guido della Torre , who at that time were chiefe of those houses : yet Maffeo intending by helpe of the Emperour to driue Guido out of the Citie , and supposing that enterprise the more likely , because Guido was in faction contrary to the Empire : hee tooke occasion vpon the complaints of the people against the euil demeanor of the Germains , slily perswading and encouraging euery man to take Armes , and deliuer themselues from the seruitude of that barbarous nation . And when all things were made ready , A practise of Ma. Visconts against the house of Torre . he caused a secret minister of his to mooue a tumult . Whereat , all the people tooke Armes against the name of Germany , and Maffeo with his sonnes and followers , suddeinly armed , went to Arrigo , letting him vnderstand , that this tumult proceeded from those of the house of Torre : who not contented to liue priuate in Milan , tooke occasion to spoyle him , gratifie the Guelfi of Italy , and make themselues princes of that citie . Notwithstanding , hee perswaded the Emperour to be of good cheare , for they and their followers would in euery respect saue and defend him . Arrigo beleeued all that which Maffeo had spoken , & ioyning his forces with the Visconti , assailed those Della Torre . Who beeing dispersed in diuerse places of the Cittie to appease the tumult , so many of them as could be found were slaine , and the rest spoyled & sent into Italy . Maffeo Visconti , thus made ( as it were ) prince of Milan , had diuerse sonnes , the chiefe of them were called Galiazzo , and Azo : and after them , Luchino & Giouanni . Giouanni became Archbishop of that Citie , and of Luchino who died before him ) remained Barnabo , The meane how the Visconti aspired to be Dukes of Milan . and Galiazzo called Conte de Vertu . He , after the death of the Archbishop , killed Barnabo his vncle , and so became onely prince of Milan , and was the first that had the title of Duke . Of him descended Philippo & Giouan Mariangilo who being slaine by the people of Milan , the state remained onely to Philippo , and he hauing no heires male , the Dukedome was translated from the house of Visconti to the Sforzi , as shall be hereafter declared . But to returne to our matter , Lodouico the Emperour to giue reputation to his faction , and take the Crowne , came into Italy , and being arriued at Milan , to the end he might leauy mony of the Milanesi , offred to make them free , and for proofe thereof imprisoned the Visconti . Afterwards , by mediation of Castruccio of Lucca , deliuered them , and went to Rome . Then the more easily to disturbe Italy , he made Piero de la Coruara , Antipope : by whose authoritie and the force of Visconti , he hoped to keepe downe the contrary faction , both in Toscana and Lombardy . But Castruccio then died , which was the cause of his ruine : for Pisa and Lucca presently rebelled . And the Pisani sent the Antipope prisoner to the Pope , them remaining in France . Whereupon the Emperour dispairing of his enterprise in Italy , returned to Germany . The king of Boemia called into Italy . So soone as he was gone , Giouanni king of Bohemia , came into Italy , called thither by the Ghibilini of Brescia , and possessed that Citie , with one other called Bergamo . And forasmuch as the comming of this king was with consent of the Pope ( although hee fained the contrarie ) the Legate of Bologna fauoured him : imagining , for that cause the Emperour would no more returne into Italy , by whose departure thence , the country was greatly altered . The Florentines and the king Robarto , seeing that the Legate fauoured the enterprise of the Ghibilini , became enemies to all those that the Legate and the king of Bohemia fauoured : against whom ( without respect of Guelfi or Ghibilini ) many princes ioyned . Among them were the Visconti , the family of La Scala Filippino Gonzaga of Mantoua , the house of Carrara , and Este : wherupon the Pope did excommunicate them all . The king for feare of this league , went home to assemble more forces , & returned with than into Italy , & had ( though hardly ) the victorie , and then ( though with displeasure of the Legate ) returned to Bohemia , leauing onely Reggio , and Modena , manned : recommending Parma to Marsilio and Piero de Rossi , who were in that citie of most power . He being gone , Bologna reuolted to the league , and diuided among them , foure Citties apperteining to the church : allotting Parma to the house of Scala , Reggio to Gonzaga , Modena to Este , and Lucca to the Florentines . During the conquest of these Cities , grew great warres , but they were chiefly by the Venetians , compounded . It may perhaps be thought strange , that among so many accidents of Italy , I haue omitted to speake of the Venetians common weale , being for the order and power thereof , to be preferred before euerie other principallitie . To satisfie that admiration , the cause thereof being knowne , I wil looke backward to time long since passed : and declare what beginning that Cittie had . The originall of Vinegia . King Attila at such time as he besieged Aquilegia , the inhabitants of that towne ( hauing long defended themselues , & dispairing ) fled with their goods to the rocks within the point of Mare Adriatico . The Padouani seeing the fire at hand , and fearing that Aquilegia being wonne , Attila would assault them ; carried all their moueables of most value into the same sea , to a place there called Riuoalto : whither they also sent their wiues , children , and aged men , leauing the youth to defend the citie . Aquilegia being taken , Attila defaced Padoua , Monselice , Vicenza , and Verona . The Padouani and the chiefe of the others , seated themselues in the marishes about Riuoalto . Likewise all the people of that prouince ( which was aunciently called Venetia ) were driuen out by the same misfortune , did also flie thither . Thus constrained by necessitie , they abandoned faire and fertile countries , to inhabit these steril and paludious places void of all commoditie . And yet , because great numbers of people were at one instant come thither , they made that place not onely habitable , but also pleasant : ordeining among themselues lawes and orders , which amidst so great ruines of Italy , they obserued ; and within short space encreased in force and reputation . For besides the inhabitants aforesaid , many of the cities of Lombardy ( chiefly those that feared the cruelty of their king Clefi ) fled thither , which was no small encrease to that citie . So that in the time of Pipino king of France , when at the request of the Pope , he came to driue the Lombardi out of Italy , it was agreed in Capitulations , betwixt him and the Emperour of Grecia , that the Duke of Beneuento and the Venetians , should be subiects neither to the one nor the other , but among themselues enioy libertie . Moreouer , considering that as necessitie had driuen them to dwell within the water , so it behoued them without helpe of the firme land , to seeke meanes wherby they might procure their own liuelihood . For which purpose they made ships & gallies , & with them sailed throughout the world , and filled their citie with sundry sorts of marchandise , whereof other men hauing necessitie , required free accesse vnto them . At that time and many yeares after , the Venetians thought not vppon other dominions , then those where the traffique of their marchandise might safely arriue . Then they wan diuers hauens in Grecia , Soria , and in the passages that the French men made in Asia : because they oftentimes imploying the Venetian shippes , appointed vnto them , ( as a reward ) the Ile of Candia . While in this estate and order they liued , their name by sea was terrible , and vpon the firme land of Italy venerable . So that in all controuersies that happened , they were ( for the most part ) arbitrators : as in controuersies which rose in the league , by reason of those cities which they had diuided amongst them . For that controuersie being recommended to the Venetians , they ordered that Bargamo & Brescia should appertaine to the Visconti . But in processe of time hauing conquered Padoua , Vicenza , Triuigi , Verona , Bargamo , Brescia , with diuerse cities in the kingdom , and Romagna , ( entised with desire of gouernment ) they atteined so great an opinion of power and reputation , that not only of the princes of Italy , but also of the kings beyond the mountaines they became feared . Wherupon those princes conspiring togither , tooke from them in one day , all the states and countries which they in many yeares , and with infinite expences had gained . And though in these late times they haue recouered part , yet not recouering their forces and reputation , do ( like all other princes of Italy ) remaine at the deuotion and discretion of others . Now was Benedetto 12. come to the Papacy , who seeing himselfe driuen out of Italy , The decree of Pope Benedetto 12. against the Emperour . and fearing that the Emperour Lodouico should become Lord thereof , determined to make all those his friends , who had vsurped the townes which the Emperour possessed . To the end , that thereby they should haue cause to feare the Empire , and ioyne with him in the defence of Italy . For the more assurance of this attempt , he made a decree , that all tyrants of Lombardy should by iust title possesse the townes by them vsurped . But the Pope presently vpon this grant , died , and Clemente sexto , elected in his place . The Emperour then seeing with what liberalitie the Pope had giuen the towns belonging to the Empire , The Emperours decree to the Popes preiudice . determined to be no lesse liberall of the Popes goods , then the Pope had bene of his : and therefore gaue freely all lands belonging to the church , which any tyrant had vsurped ; and they to hold them , by authoritie imperiall . By meane whereof , Galiotto Malatesti and his brethren became Lords of Rimino , Pesaro , & Fano . Anthonio di Montefeltro of la Marca and Vrbin : Gentile da Varano of Camerino . Guido di Polenta of Rauenna . Sinibaldo Ordalaffi of Furli , and Cesena : Giouanni Manfredi of Faenza , Lodouico Alidosi , of Imola . Besides these , many others possessed towns belonging to the church : so as few remained out of the hands of one Prince or other , which was the cause that the Church ( till the comming of Alissandro 6. ) was holden downe & weake ; but he with the ruine of these Lords or their posteritie , restored the same . At such time as the Emperor made this grant , he remained at Trento , & seemed as thogh he would passe from thence into Italy ; wherby grew many warres in Lombardy : & by that occasion , the Visconti became Lords of Parma . Then died king Robarto of Napoli ; of whom remained only two grand children , women , begotten by Carlo his Son , who long before was dead ; bequeathing his kingdom to the elder of them , called Giouanna , Giouanna Q of Naples . whom he willed to marrie with Andrea sonne to the K. of Vngaria his nephew . This Andrea continued not long her husband , but was by her murdred , & she married anew to a brother in law of his , called Lodouico prince of Tarranto . But K. Lodouico brother to Andrea , to reuenge his death , came with Forces into Italy , & draue the Q. Giouanna with her husband out of the kingdom . About this time hapned in Rome a thing very memorable , which was , that one called Nicholo di Lorenzo Chancellor in the Campidoll , Nicholo di Lorenzo . draue the Senators out of Rome , & made himself ( vnder title of Tribuno ) chiefe of the Romane Common weale : reducing the same into the ancient forme of gouernment , with so great reputation of iustice & vertue , as not only the townes nere hand , but also al Italy sent Embassadors vnto him . Whereby , the ancient prouinces , seeing Rome restored , looked vp ; and some of them moued with feare , and some with hope , honoured him . But Nicholo ( notwithstanding so great authoritie , in the beginning of this action , abandoned himselfe ; and dispairing ( as it seemeth ) to performe so great an enterprise , not being inforced by any man , secretly fled , and went to King Carlo of Bohemia : who by order of the pope ( in despite of Lodouico of Bauieria , elected Emperour ) apprehended Nicholo , & sent him to the Pope prisoner . A while after , ( as it were to imitate this Nicholo ) another man called Francesco Barocegli , Francesco Barocegli . surprized the Tribunate , and draue thence the Senators . Vpon which accident , the Pope ( the rather to represse that disorder ) tooke Nicholo out of prison , restored him to the Tribuneship , & sent him to Rome . Nicholo there arriued , exercised the office , and put Francesco to death . But the Colonnesi beeing enemies to Nicholo , shortly after killed him also , & restored the Senators to their places . Q. Giouanna deposed . In the meanetime , the King of Vngaria hauing deposed the Queene Giouanna , returned to his Kingdome . The Pope liking better the neighborhood of the Queene than of that King , found meanes that he was pleased to restore the Kingdome : vpon condition , that the Queenes husband should content himselfe with the title of Tarranto , and not be called King . The yeare 1350. being come , the Pope thought good that the Giubileo erected by Pope Bonifacio octauo at the end of euerie hundred yeare , might be reduced to fiftie yeare , and made a Decree , that afterwards so it should be . The Romanes receauing the same as a benefit , were content the pope should send to Rome foure Cardinalls to reforme the state of that Cittie , & make Senators there , those , whom himselfe thought good . The Pope also proclaymed Lodouico of Tarranto King of Napoli : for which fauor , the Queen Giouanna gaue vnto the Church the Citie of Auignion , which was her patrimony . By this time Luchino Visconti was dead , wherby Giouanni Archbishop of Millan remained only Lord of that state , who made many warres vpon Toscana , & other countries his neighbors and therby became exceeding mightie . After his death succeeded Barnabo & Galiazzo his nephewes : but within short space Galiazzo died , leauing one sonne called Giouan Galiazzo , who diuided that State with Barnabo . At this time Carlo K. of Bohemia was Emperor , Pope Innocentio sexto . and Innocentio 6. Pope ; who sent into Italy Cardinall Egidio , by Nation a Spaniard , who with his vertue recouered great reputation to the Church , not onely in Romagna & Rome , but also throughout al Italy . He restored Bologna , vsurped by the Archbishop of Millan : he constrained the Romanes to receaue one Stranger to bee a Senator , who yearely should be sent by the Pope : he made honourable composition with the Visconti : he vanquished and tooke prisoner Iohn Aguto an English-man , who with foure thousand of his owne Nation serued in Toscana to the ayde of the Ghibelini . Vrbano quinto being come to the Papacie , Pope Vrbano . 5. and vnderstanding of so manie Victories , determined to visite Italy and Rome : whether also came Carlo the Emperour ; who ( after a few months ) went to the Kingdome , and the Pope to Auignion . Vrbano being dead , Gregorio duodecimo was created : and because then died the Cardinall Egidio , Italy was returned to trouble , occasioned by the Townes confederate against the Visconti . Wherevpon the Pope sent first a Legate into Italy with sixe thousand Brittaines , after in person followed himselfe , and setled the Court in Rome , in the yeare 1376. which had continued from thence in Fraunce 71. yeares . The Papall court returned to Rome . An. 1376. After the death of this Pope , was created Vrbano sexto . Shortly after at Fondi , ten Cardinals ( who said Vrbano was not well chosen ) elected Clemente octauo . Then the Genouesi ( who diuers yeares had liued vnder gouernment of the Visconti ) rebelled . Betwixt them and the Venetians ( for the Iland called Tenedo ) grew Warres of great importance , and deuided all Italy . Great artillery first vsed in Italy 1376. In these Warres was great Shot and Artillarie first seene , as Instruments then newly deuised by the Almaines . And albeit the Genouesi had for a time in this Warre the aduantage , and diuers moneths besieged Venice , yet in the end the Venetians had the better , and by mediation of the Pope made peace , in the yeare 1381. Then chaunced a schisme in the Church , and Queene Giouanna fauored the Antipope : for which cause , Vrbano practised an enterprise against her , and sent Carlo Durezzo ( descended of the Kings of Napoli ) into the Kingdome ; who there arriued , possessed himselfe , and forced the Queene to flye vnto Fraunce . The French King therewith offended , sent Lodouico de Angio into Italy , to recouer the Kingdome for the Queene , remooue the Pope Vrbano , and put the Antipope into possession : but Lodouico in the midst of this enterprice died , and his Souldiers returned into Fraunce . The Pope in the meane while , went vnto Napoli , where hee imprisoned nine Cardinals , for hauing followed the faction of France , and the Antipope . That done , he quarelled with the king , for not hauing made a nephew of his Prince of Capoua : yet faining not to force much thereof , desired to haue Nocera for his dwelling , where afterwards he assembled great forces , and practised to depriue the king . ( The king then marching towards him , ) the Pope tarried not , but fled to Genoua , where he executed those Cardinals whom he had before imprisoned . From thence he went to Rome , and there to giue himselfe reputation , created 28. Cardinals . At this time went Carlo king of Napoli to Vngaria , and was created king , and shortly after slaine : hauing left in Napoli his wife with two children , Ladislao and Giouanna . At this time also , Giouanni Galiazzo Visconti , had murdered Barnabo his vncle , & taken into his hands the state of Milan . And not content with the Dukedome of all Lombardy , he sought to be also Lord of Toscana . But when he hoped to haue taken the possession , and be crowned king of Italy , died . Next vnto Vrbano sexto , succeeded Bonifacio nono . Then died also in Auignion the Antipope Clemente septimo . And in his place was elected Benedetto 13. Pope Benedetto 13. In these dayes liued in Italy many souldiers of forreine nations , English men , Almains , and Britaines : brought thither partly by those Princes who many times had serued in Italy , and partly sent by the Popes , when they remained at Auignion . Against these people , the princes of Italy long time made warre , and at length Lodouico da Conio arose , who making a company of Italians , calling the same S. Giorgio , their vertue & discipline tooke from the straungers all reputation , and brought the same to the Italians : of whom euer after the princes of Italy , in all their wars were serued . The Pope by reason of the controuersie betwixt him and the Romanes , went vnto Scesi , where he remained till the Iubileo in the yeare 1400. At which time , the Romanes for their profit were content he should returne to Rome , and also place there one Senator at his election : and therewith also to fortifie the Castle of S. Angelo . With these conditions the Pope returned , and the rather to enrich the Church , he ordained that euerie Benefice falling void , The first frutes of Benefices taken by the Pope . should pay the first frutes into the treasure house . After the death of Gicuan Galiazzo Duke of Milan , albeit he left two sonnes called Giouanniariangelo and Philippo , yet his Countrey became diuided into manie parts . And in the troubles which thereby happened , Giouanniariangelo was slaine , and Philippo for a time remained prisoner in the Castle of Pauia : yet by good fortune , and fauour of the Captaine , was set at libertie . Among others that vsurped the possessions of this Duke , was Gulielmo Della Scalla : who ( being a banished man ) remained in the hands of Francesco de Carrara Lord of Padoua ; through whom he recouered the State of Verona , which hee enioyed not long , because Francesco procured him to be poisoned , and surprized the Cittie . Thereuppon the Vicentini ( hauing liued quietly vnder the ensigne of the Visconti , and fearing the greatnes of Francesco ) yeelded their obedience to the Venetians : who presently tooke armes against the Lord of Padoua , and first depriued him of Verona , and afterwards wan the Cittie of Padoua . In the meane space died Bonifacio , Pope Innocentio 7. and Innocentio septimo was elected Pope : to whom the people of Rome presented an humble request ; desiring it might please his Holines to deliuer into theyr hands the Fortresses , and restore them to their libertie : which sute the Pope denied . The people then praied aid of Ladislao King of Napoli ; yet afterwards falling to agreement , the Pope returned to Rome , being fled from thence for feare of the people , and remained at Viterbo , where he had created a nephew of his to bee Earle of La Marca ; which done , hee shortly after died , and Gregorio duodecimo was created Pope : with condition , that hee should resigne the Papacie , whensoeuer the Antipope did the like . By perswasion of the Cardinals , intending to make proofe , whether the Church could bee reunited or not ; Benedetto Antipope came to Porto Venere , and Gregorio to Luca : where they practised manie matters , but nothing tooke effect ; so that the Cardinals ( both of the one and the other Pope ) did forsake them . Pope Benedetto went into Spaine , and Gregorio to Rimini . The Cardinals on the other part , with the fauour of Baldasarre Cossa Cardinall and Legate of Bologna , ordained a Councell at Pisa , K. Ladislao deposed by pope Alissandro 5. where they created Alissandro quinto , who did excommunicate Ladislao , giuing that Kingdome to Luigi de Angio : and then with the aide of the Florentines , Genouesi , and Venetians , togither with Baldaser Cossa Legate , assaulted Ladislao , and tooke from him Rome . But in the heate of this warre died Alissandro , and Baldaser Cossa was elected , calling himselfe Giouanni vicessimo tertio . He , departing from Bologna ( beeing there made Pope ) went from thence to Rome , and there met Luigi de Angio , come thither with a Nauie from Prouenza . Then presently they assaulted Ladislao , and ouerthrew him : yet through the default of their Leaders , the victorie was not followed ; by meanes whereof , within short space after , the King recouered an Armie , and againe surprized Rome . The Pope then fled to Bologna , and Luigi to the prouince . The Pope imagining how he might diminish the greatnes of Ladislao , found meanes that Sigismondo King of Vngaria should be chosen Emperour , perswading him to come into Italy ; which he did , and met with the Pope at Mantoua . There they agreed to call a Councell generall , and therein to reunite the Church : the rather to become able to withstand the force of their enemies . At that time were three Popes , Gregorio , Benedetto , and Giouanni , who made the Church exceeding weake , Three popes at one time . and without reputation . The place elected for this Councell , was Costanza a Citie of Germanie . But contrarie to the expectation of Giouanni , the death of Ladislao , remoued the occasion of Councell : notwithstanding , being alreadie bound by promise , hee could not refuse to goe thither . Being arriued at Costanza ( ouerlate knowing this errour ) he practised to flie thence , but was there staied , put in prison , and constrained to resigne the Papacie . Gregorio also the other Antipope , by his messenger resigned . Benedetto the third Antipope , refusing to resigne , was condemned for an heriticke , and being abandoned by his Cardinals , was in the end enforced to resigne . The Councell then created Oddo Colonna , who was called Pope Martino quarto . And so the Church , after fortie yeares of diuision was vnited , The Curch after fortie yeares diuision , was vnited hauing bene all that time in the hands of diuerse Popes . In those dayes , ( as hath bene beforesaid ) Philippo Visconti , remained in the Castle of Pauia . But Fantino Cane , who ( during the troubles of Lombardy ) possessed himselfe of Vercelli , Allisandria , Nouara Tortona , and had also gathered great riches , then died . And not hauing anie heire , bequeathed his possessions to Beatrice his wife ; desiring his friendes to procure she might be married to Philippo . By which marriage , Philippo became potent , and recouered Milan , with all the state of Lombardy . Afterwards , to declare himselfe thankfull for so great a benefit , he accused Beatrice of adulterie , and put her to death . Thus atteined to be a Prince most mightie , he beganne to thinke vpon the warres of Toscana , before entended by his father Giouan Galiazzo . Ladislao King of Napoli , at his death , left vnto his sister Giouanna , not onely the kingdome , but also a a great Armie , gouerned by the principall Leaders of all Italy . Among the chiefe of whom , was Sforza di Contignuola , in those dayes a man of warre , of singular reputation . The Queene ( the rather to eschue a slaunder by one Pandolfello a man brought vp by her selfe ) tooke to husband Iacobo Della Marchia , who was descended from the French Kings , vpon condition that hee would content himselfe to be called Prince of Tarranto ; and suffer her to enioy the kingdome , with the gouernment thereof . Notwithstanding , so soone as he arriued at Naples , the souldiers called him King , whereof great warres followed betwixt the wife and the husband : Warre betwixt Queene Giouanna , and her husband . and sometimes the one , & sometimes the other , had the vpper hand . But in the end , the Queene remained gouernour of the state , and afterwards became enemie to the Pope . Thereupon Sforza intending to driue her to a disaduantage , and inforce her to be glad of him , contrarie to all expectation gaue vp his enterteinment ; by which meanes she remained vtterly disarmed , and not hauing other , fled for aide to Alfonso King of Arragon and Sicilia , adopting him her sonne , and enterteined Braccio di Montone : who was in Armes no lesse esteemed , then was Sforza , & therwithall enemy to the Pope , for hauing surprized Perugia , with some other townes belonging to the church . Afterwards a peace was taken betweene her and the Pope . Then the King Alfonso doubting least she wold entreat him as she had intreated her husband ) sought secretly to possesse the Fortresses . But she being subtil , fortified her self in the Castle of Napoli . Suspitions thus growing in the minds of the one and the other , they came to fight , and the Queene with the helpe of Sforza ( who was returned to her seruice ) vanquished Alfonso : draue him out of Naples , Lodouico de Angio adopted king of Naples . depriued him of his adoption , and adopted Lodouico de Angio ; whereof grew a great warre betwixt Braccio who had folowed Alfonso , & Sforza that fauoured the Queen . In the proceeding of these wars , Sforza occasioned to passe the riuer of Pescara , was there drowned : wherby the Queene became again disarmed , & should haue bene driuen out of the kingdom , if Philippo Visconti Duke of Milan had not enforced Alfonso ( proceeding on in his iourney against the Queen ) to be staied . For hauing besieged Aquila , the Pope ( supposing the greatnes of Braccio not to be good for the church ) enterteined Francesco the sonne of Sforza , against Braccio , & at Aquila slew him , & ouerthrew his army . On the part of Braccio , Oddo his son was saued , from whom the Pope tooke Perugia , & left to him Montone : yet shortlie after , fighting for the Florentines in Romagna , was there slaine . So then , of all these that serued with Braccio , Nicholo Piccinino , remained of most reputation . Now because we are come with our history neare to that time which I determined ( and that the rest which remaineth vnspoken , importeth for the most part nothing else but the wars which the Florentines & Venetians had with Philippo Duke of Milan , which shall also be discoursed hereafter , when particulerly we entreate of Florence ) I will not speak more therof , but briefly reduce to memorie in what termes Italy with the Princes and the souldiers of those daies remained . Among the principall states , Queene Giouanni 2. held the kingdom of Napoli ; La Marca , Patrimonio and Romagna . How Italy was gouerned and diuided . Part of the townes to these belonging , obeyed the church , & part of them were vsurped by tirants , or their ministers : as Farrara , Modena , & Reggio by the house of Este. Faenza by Manfredi ; Imola by the Alidosi ; Furli by the Ordelaffi : Rimino and Pesaro by the Malatesti ; and Camerino by the house of Varano . The Prouinces of Lombardy , were partly gouerned by Philippo Duke of Milan , and partly by the Venetians . For all those that had therin any particuler states , were extirped ( except the house of Gonzaga ) which gouerned stil at Mantoua . In Toscana , the greatest princes that gouerned , were the Florentines : onely Lucca and Siena , liued with their lawes . Lucca vnder Guinici , Siena as absolutely free . The Genouesi , sometimes in libertie , and sometime in seruitude to the house of France , or Visconti , were without reputation , and among the meaner Potentates accounted . For all the principall Lords and Potentates , were at that time of their owne subiectes vtterly disarmed . The Duke Philippo liuing at home , and not suffering himselfe to be seene , his warres were altogither directed by ministers . The Venetians , so soone as they began to make warres by land , lost all that glorie which before vpon the sea they had gotten . And ( following the custome of other Italians ) by the direction of strangers gouerned their warres . The Pope being a man of religion , and the Queene Giouanna a woman , did laie by their Armes : doing that for necessitie which others had done by election . The Florentines also , to like necessitie yeelded : for their sundry ciuil diuisions among themselues , had clearly extirped the Nobilitie , and left the Common weale to be gouerned by those that had bene brought vp in marchandise , and were therby enforced to abide the fortune of others . The discipline of warre then remained , only in the poore Princes , & Gentlemen that wanted liuing ; and they not moued by any desire of glorie , but rather to become rich and assured , armed themselues . They then being wel practised in the warres ( not hauing any other trade to liue ) sought by the wars to make themselues strong and honourable . Among this number for their value , most renowned , were Carmignuola , Francesco Sforza , Nicholo Piccinino , brought vp by Braccio , Agnolo della Pergola , Lorenzo , and Michelletto Attenduly : Tartaglia , Giacopaccio Cecolino da Parugia , Nicholo di Tolentino , Guido Torello , Antonio dal Ponte ad Hera , and others . Besides them were those great Lordes of whom I haue alreadie spoken . And with them , may be numbred the Orsini , and Calonnesi , Barrons of Rome , with some other Gentlemen of the kingdome , and of Lombardy : who making a misterie or art of the warre , had among themselues a secret league and intelligence , whereby they protracted the seruice for their profit . And so , the Princes for whom they serued , were on both sides loosers . In conclusion , the warres became so cowardlie , that anie ordinarie Captaine , hauing in him but a shadow of the auncient vertue , might ( to the admiration of all Italy ) haue vanquished those souldiers : who through small wisedome , and want of iudgement ) were much honoured . Of these idle Princes , and of these most base and cowardlie souldiers , this my Historie shall at large entreate . But first ( as in the beginning I promised ) it seemeth necessarie for me to returne backe , and tell the originall of Florence , letting euerie man to vnderstand fully , what was the state of that Cittie in those dayes ▪ and by what meanes amongst so many troubles happened in Italy ( during the space of a thousand yeares ) the same hath still continued .