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Battle of Legnano
Part of the Wars of the Guelphs and Ghibellines

Date May 29, 1176
Location Legnano, Lombardy, present-day Italy
Result Decisive Lombard League victory
Belligerents
Holy Roman Empire Lombard League
Commanders
Frederick I Barbarossa Alberto da Giussano
Strength
3,000 [1] (Foot Soldiers and Knights) 3,500 [2] (Foot Soldiers and Knights)
Casualties and losses
Heavy Heavy

The Battle of Legnano was fought on May 29, 1176 between the forces of the Holy Roman Empire, led by emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and the Lombard League. The Guelphs and Ghibellines were factions supporting respectively the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire in central and northern Italy Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Legnano is a town in the north-west of Lombardy, situated on the flat lands of the Po Valley between Milan and Lake Maggiore, straddling the little Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in Frederick I Barbarossa (1122 &ndash 10 June 1190) was elected King of Germany at Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned Alberto da Giussano (born in Giussano, Lombardy) was a Legendary Guelph warrior during Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Frederick I Barbarossa (1122 &ndash 10 June 1190) was elected King of Germany at Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in

Contents

The Lombard League

The Lombard League was formed in 1167, largely out of the Veronese League. [3] It was a Union of Lombard cities promising each other unity, against the Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Frederick I Barbarossa (1122 &ndash 10 June 1190) was elected King of Germany at Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned The Lombardy cities swore the oath at Pontida, a small village in Lombardy. Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the Pontida is a Comune (municipality in the Province of Bergamo in the Italian region of Lombardy, located about 40 km northeast of Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the

After the disastrous defeat of Pope Alexander III at the Battle of Monte Porzio in May 1167 against Imperial forces, only the Lombard League remained as the last legitimate fighting force opposing the Emperor and was therefore heavily backed by the Pope. Pope Alexander III (c 1100/1105 &ndash August 30, 1181) born Rolando (or Orlando) Bandinelli, was Pope from 1159 The Battle of Monte Porzio or Battle of Tusculum was fought on 29 May 1167, Whit Sunday between the Holy Roman Empire and the city of Rome between a small The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in

Kenneth Pennington wrote: "Alexander’s inability to control Rome and the Papal States was due to his conflict with Frederick. Although he attempted to support the cities of Lombardy, he had neither the power nor the resources to render effective assistance. "

Frederick's 5th Italian Campaign

In September 1174, Frederick embarked on his 5th Italian Campaign, to quench the constant revolts in Lombardy and his quarrels with Pope Alexander III. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the Frederick led a force of 8,000 Knights [4] over the Alps and arrived in Piedmont in late September. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. Piedmont ( Piemonte; Piedmontese and Occitan: Piemont; French: Piémont) is one of the 20 Regions of Italy. His cousin Henry the Lion and his forces, were once again not a part of the Imperial campaign. Henry the Lion ( German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129 &ndash 6 August 1195) was a member of the Guelph dynasty and Duke of Saxony The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Frederick wanted to take revenge on Susa, for its "evil" behaviour of 1168, and on the 30 September his forces captured and burned down the town. Susa is a city in Piedmont, Italy. It is situated on a tributary of the Po River, at the foot of the Cottian Alps, 51 km (32 mi west of His next aim was the town of Asti, which he captured after a seven day siege. Asti is a city and Comune in the Piemonte or Piedmont region, in north-western Italy, about 55 kilometres east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro In October, Frederick finally received the promised Imperial reinforcements from Bohemia. The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Bohemia (Čechy; Bohemia Czechy is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands, currently the Upon Frederick's rapid and fierce initial success, Margraviate William of Montferrat and the Count of Biandrate, abandoned the Lombard League. Margrave (marchio is the English and French form (recorded since 1551 of the German Title Markgraf (from Mark " William was the name of several of the marquesses of Montferrat and of some other members of the same dynasties Biandrate is a Comune (municipality in the Province of Novara in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 70 km northeast of The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in [5]

Siege of Alessandria

The siege of Alessandria was an important event in Frederick's 5th Campaign as this was a campaign of revenge, with the aim of the total destruction of the Lombard League and the removal of the Pope Alexander III. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in Frederick's next goal was therefore the Lombard city of Alessandria. Alessandria ( Lissandria in Piedmontese) is a city in Piedmont Italy, and the capital of the Province of Alessandria. Alessandria was founded by Milanese refugees, who fled after Frederick's forces burned and destroyed the City of Milan in 1162 [6] and named after Pope Alexander III. Alessandria ( Lissandria in Piedmontese) is a city in Piedmont Italy, and the capital of the Province of Alessandria. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. " City of " is the series Premiere of the Television show Angel. The siege of the "Straw City", called so because all the roofs were covered with straw, began at the end of October. To Frederick's surprise and anger, his forces were not able to take the city so he had to spend the winter in front of its gates. On Holy Saturday, Fredericks forces managed to enter the city by digging tunnels under its walls, but the attack was repulsed by the Milanese with heavy losses. Holy Saturday ( Latin: Sabbatum Sanctum) is the day after Good Friday. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. [7] Alessandria withstood, and that was the first victory of the Lombard League. Alessandria ( Lissandria in Piedmontese) is a city in Piedmont Italy, and the capital of the Province of Alessandria. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in Frederick had to break off the siege due to an advancing Lombard army and retreated to Pavia. Pavia (pronounced Pavìa,) the ancient Ticinum, is a town and Comune of south-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 35 km south [8]

Treaty of Montebello

On 16 April 1175, Frederick and the Lombard League negotiated peace at the Castle of Montebello but after long talks, negotiations broke with no result. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in Montebello della Battaglia is a Comune (municipality in the Province of Pavia in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 50 km [9] Frederick knew that a battle was imminent and traveled to Chiavenna to meet Henry the Lion. This article is about the Italian municipality For the astronomer see Paolo Chiavenna. Henry the Lion ( German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129 &ndash 6 August 1195) was a member of the Guelph dynasty and Duke of Saxony Henry the Lion however refused to help his cousin as he thought that a Frederick's defeat would allow him to obtain greater power. Henry the Lion ( German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129 &ndash 6 August 1195) was a member of the Guelph dynasty and Duke of Saxony [10]

The Battle

After Frederick's setback at Alessandria, the failed agreement of Montebello and the refusal of his cousin Henry the Lion to help him, Frederick finally received some good news and reinforcements from Germany [11]. Alessandria ( Lissandria in Piedmontese) is a city in Piedmont Italy, and the capital of the Province of Alessandria. Henry the Lion ( German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129 &ndash 6 August 1195) was a member of the Guelph dynasty and Duke of Saxony Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. The German reinforcements crossed Lukmanier Pass into the Lake Como region in April 1176. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Lake Como ( Lago di Como in Italian, also known as Lario; Lach de Comm in Insubric; Latin: Larius Lacus) is a Frederick I Barbarossa, Philipp I of Heinsberg [12] and Archbishop Wichmann of Magdeburg [13] rode secretly from Pavia along the Ticino River, to meet the reinforcements and to lead them to a joint operation with his main forces. Pavia (pronounced Pavìa,) the ancient Ticinum, is a town and Comune of south-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 35 km south The River Ticino (Tessin Latin: Ticinus) is a Tributary of the Po. Frederick received 1,000 knights and 1,000 foot soldiers from 16 different German rulers [14]. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. At Como, Lombard imperialist allies increased the reinforcements to about 3,000 [15]. Como is a City in Lombardy, Italy, north of Milan. Situated at the southern tip of the south-west arm of Lake Como, it The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in The Imperial army was largely a cavalry force of German Knights. The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages.

The Oath of Pontida painted by Amos Cassioli.
The Oath of Pontida painted by Amos Cassioli.

The Milanese were informed about Frederick's plan and prepared for battle. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. A Carroccio, or a sacred war wagon drawn by oxen, was build, it was decorated with the city standard and an altar upon which the cross of Archbishop Aribert of Milan was erected. A Carroccio was a War chariot drawn by Oxen, used by the Medieval republics of Italy. Oxen (singular ox) are Cattle trained as draft animals. Often they are adult castrated males Aribert or Heribert ( Italian Ariberto da Intimiano) (died 16 January 1045, Monza) was the Archbishop of Milan In 1038, Archbishop Aribert led the victorious defence of Milan against the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II, and therefore his cross was a symbol of victory against the Empire. Aribert or Heribert ( Italian Ariberto da Intimiano) (died 16 January 1045, Monza) was the Archbishop of Milan The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Conrad II (c 990&ndash June 4, 1039) was the son of a mid-level nobleman in Franconia, Count Henry of Speyer and Adelaide of Alsace who inherited The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in According to Sire Raoul, a chronist from Milan, 900 Knights came from Milan and around 550 Knights from three other towns, the rest of the League's forces were foot soldiers. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in The "Company of Death" was a foot soldier unit, that according to Milanese chronicles was led by Alberto da Giussano, and formed the core of the Lombard infantry. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Alberto da Giussano (born in Giussano, Lombardy) was a Legendary Guelph warrior during Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the

Skirmish at the Carroccio.
Skirmish at the Carroccio.

While Frederick and his reinforcements were on their way back to Pavia to join the main Imperial force, the Lombard League placed about 3,500 men near the west bank of the Olona. Pavia (pronounced Pavìa,) the ancient Ticinum, is a town and Comune of south-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 35 km south The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in The Olona is a 131 km long Italian river which runs through the provinces of Varese, Milan and Pavia. The infantry with the Milanese war cart, the carroccio, stood in a hastily fortified position at Borsano. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. A Carroccio was a War chariot drawn by Oxen, used by the Medieval republics of Italy. The Lombards knew that Frederick was about to skirt through their area, however, the Lombards did not know how close Frederick already was. At dawn on the 29 May, the Lombard League sent a reconnaissance unit of 700 horsemen to the Seprio landscape. Landscape comprises the visible features of an area of land including physical elements such as Landforms living elements of flora and fauna abstract elements such as lighting At the same time, the emperor had crossed the Olona and was marching south from Cairate, five miles northeast of Busto Arsizio. The Olona is a 131 km long Italian river which runs through the provinces of Varese, Milan and Pavia. Cairate is a Comune (municipality in the Province of Varese in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 35 km northwest of Busto Arsizio is a City in the region of Lombardy, in northern Italy, 25 km north of Milan in the Province of Varese. Here, the battle commenced. The Lombard reconnaissance and the 300 Imperial vanguard clashed. The clash was brief and bloody and with Frederick already on the horizon, the Lombard reconnaissance broke off and fled beyond Borsano. Now, Frederick and his Imperial German army launched a rampant and brutal attack on the Lombard League forces near Borsano - Legnano. Legnano is a town in the north-west of Lombardy, situated on the flat lands of the Po Valley between Milan and Lake Maggiore, straddling the little The Lombard cavalry was largely routed but managed to escape the skirmish, leaving the infantry and carroccio on its own. Skirmishers are Infantry or Cavalry Soldiers stationed ahead or alongside of a larger body of friendly troops Frederick advanced to the Carroccio, and assaulted the infantry and the Company of Death with his cavalry. A Carroccio was a War chariot drawn by Oxen, used by the Medieval republics of Italy.

M. B. Synge wrote this about the Company of Death: "Nine hundred desperate patriots forming the Company of Death defended the sacred car. Seeing the Germans were gaining ground, fearful for the safety of their treasure, they suddenly knelt down and renewed their vow to God that they would perish for their country " [16]

The infantry positioned itself in a phalanx-like line. The Fight around the Carroccio was a long and bloody fight in which the Lombard League infantry brought the Imperial army to a stalemate. Despite the difficulties the Imperial cavalry had against the Lombard infantry, it would have still prevailed in the long run. Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the Finally, the Lombard League forces received help from its regrouped cavalry and from a Brescian cavalry that was called to aid by the fleeing reconnaissance troops. Brescia ( Lombard: Brèsa) is a city in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. [17] The regrouped reconnaissance troops and the Brescian cavalry jointly attacked Frederick's army from the rear. Brescia ( Lombard: Brèsa) is a city in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. The decisive assault was made by the Brescians, who managed to break through the lines and attack Frederick directly. In this attack, his guards and standard-bearer were killed, and Frederick was thrown off his horse and believed to be dead. A standard-bearer is a person (soldier or civilian who bears an emblem called an Ensign or standard i Upon this, the Imperial troops panicked and fled, pursued to the Ticino by the Leagues cavalry. The River Ticino (Tessin Latin: Ticinus) is a Tributary of the Po. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in The generals tried to rally the men in vain. [18] The booty and prisoners taken by the League were immense. [19]

Aftermath

Lombard Knights looking for Frederick's dead body.
Lombard Knights looking for Frederick's dead body.

After the battle, Frederick's rule over Lombardy was decisively broken. Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the The knights that managed to escape, gathered in Pavia. Pavia (pronounced Pavìa,) the ancient Ticinum, is a town and Comune of south-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 35 km south There, they brought the news of Frederick's presumed death to his wife Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy. Beatrice of Burgundy ( 1143 - November 15, 1184) Beatrice was the only daughter of Renaud III Count of Burgundy and Agatha of Lorraine Beatrice and the Empire mourned Frederick's demise but after several days the Emperor appeared at the gates of Pavia. The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in Pavia (pronounced Pavìa,) the ancient Ticinum, is a town and Comune of south-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 35 km south

H. E. Marshall wrote: " Then, greatly to the joy of all, after three days Barbarossa suddenly appeared before the gates of Pavia. Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall (aka HE Marshall 9 August 1867 - 19 September 1941) was a British author particularly well known for her works Although wounded and bruised and left for dead Frederick had not been killed. " [20]

The victory of the Lombard League, forced Frederick to travel to Venice. The Lombard League was an alliance formed around 1167, which at its apex included most of the cities of Northern Italy (although its membership changed in Venice ( Italian: Venezia, Venetian: Venesia or Venexia) is a city in Northern Italy, the capital of the In the Peace of Venice, 1177, Frederick and Pope Alexander III reconciled. The Treaty or Peace of Venice, 1177, was an important peace treaty between the Papacy and its allies the north Italian city-states of the Lombard The Emperor acknowledged the Pope's sovereignty over the Papal States, and in return Alexander acknowledged the Emperor's overlordship of the Imperial Church. The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in The Papal States, State(s of the Church or Pontifical States (in Italian Stato Ecclesiastico, Stato della Chiesa, Stati della Chiesa The Holy Roman Empire ( HRE; German Heiliges Römisches Reich (HRR, Latin Sacrum Romanum Imperium (SRI was a union of territories in The Peace of Venice were heavily instigated by Archbishop Wichmann of Magdeburg, who was amongst the defeated at Legnano. The Treaty or Peace of Venice, 1177, was an important peace treaty between the Papacy and its allies the north Italian city-states of the Lombard Magdeburg ( Low Saxon: Meideborg ˈmaˑɪdebɔɐx the Capital city of the Bundesland of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany Legnano is a town in the north-west of Lombardy, situated on the flat lands of the Po Valley between Milan and Lake Maggiore, straddling the little The cities of Lombardy, however, continued to fight until 1183, when, in the Peace of Constance, Frederick conceded their right to freely elect town magistrates. Lombardy (Lombardia Latin: Langobardia, Western Lombard: Lumbardìa, Eastern Lombard: Lombardia) is one of the The Treaty was cast in bronze.

Frederick did not forgive Henry the Lion for refusing to come to his aid in 1176. Henry the Lion ( German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129 &ndash 6 August 1195) was a member of the Guelph dynasty and Duke of Saxony Taking advantage of the hostility of other German princes to Henry, Frederick had Henry tried in absentia by a court of bishops and princes in 1180, declared that Imperial law overruled traditional German law, and had Henry stripped of his lands and declared an outlaw.

On 27 January 1186, Frederick's son Henry VI married Constance of Sicily in Milan as a sign that peace had really been established. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Henry VI (November 1165 – 28 September 1197) was King of Germany from 1190 to 1197 Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 to 1197 and King Constance of Sicily (1154 &ndash November 27, 1198) was the heiress of the Norman kings of Sicily and the wife of Henry VI Holy Roman Emperor Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy.

Actual battlefield

The battle is traditionally tied to the name of Legnano, since the League's forces came from that town. Actually, as local historians have ascertained, the battle was fought a couple miles west of Legnano, where today Villa Cortese and Borsano, frazione of Busto Arsizio, stand. Villa Cortese is a Comune (municipality in the Province of Milan in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 25 km northwest of A frazione, in Italy, is the name given in administrative law to a type of territorial subdivision of a Comune; for other Administrative Busto Arsizio is a City in the region of Lombardy, in northern Italy, 25 km north of Milan in the Province of Varese.

Sources

Notes

  1. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  2. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  3. ^ Lexikon des Mittelalters: Band IV Seite 931
  4. ^ Erich Brandenburg, Die Nachkommen Karls des Großen
  5. ^ KurowskiFranz:p. 292
  6. ^ H. E. Marshall, The History of Germany, p. 211 and p. 212
  7. ^ KurowskiFranz:p. 292
  8. ^ KurowskiFranz:p. 292
  9. ^ Erich Brandenburg, Die Nachkommen Karls des Großen
  10. ^ KurowskiFranz:p. 292
  11. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  12. ^ O. Engels, Die Stauferzeit (Rhein. Gesch. I/3, 1983), 225-237
  13. ^ Lexikon des Mittelalters: Band IX Spalte 60
  14. ^ Wies, Ernst W. : Seite 69,164,181,241,243,251
  15. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  16. ^ M. B. Synge, The Discovery of the New World, p. 85
  17. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  18. ^ H. E. Marshall, The History of Germany, p. 215
  19. ^ Magill's Guide to Military History
  20. ^ H. E. Marshall, The History of Germany, p. 215
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