FOR LOVERS OF FLORENCE Guelfs & Ghibellines divide Florence During the period of the Communes (~ 1200 D.C.), Florence was divided by internal conflicts among the richest families and two factions were formed:
The Ghibellines, with the help of Frederick II (grandson of Frederick Barbarossa) won the first round and banished the Guelfs from the city (1249). A year later, upon the death of Frederick II, the Guelphs gained power and formed the government of the Primo Popolo (or government of the Old People). After ten years the Guelphs were defeated in the Montaperti Battle (1260) by Ghibellines, helped by Manfredi, son of Frederick II. Upon the death of Manfredi and his grandson Corradino, the Guelphs regained power. They formed the government of the Secondo Popolo and in 1282 entrusted the government to the Priors of the Guilds. Florence became a rich and powerful city.
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