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Why did Petrarch support Cola di Rienzo’s attempt to revive the Roman Republic?

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Engraving of Petrarch wearing a laurel wreath and a robe, holding a closed book in his left hand. — Petrarch Petrarch, engraving.

Petrarch supported Cola di Rienzo’s 1347 attempt to revive the Roman Republic because he was deeply inspired by the grandeur of ancient Rome and sought to restore its former glory.12

As a central figure in the early Renaissance, Petrarch viewed Classical culture not as a distant relic, but as an authentic and superior alternative to the medieval society of his time. He was captivated by Cola’s vision of reclaiming the city’s past greatness and establishing a "sacred Italy" that would spread peace and justice. This political alignment reflected Petrarch's broader commitment to humanism, which emphasized the study of Classical texts and the restoration of civic virtue.3124

Petrarch’s enthusiastic support for the movement served as a personal expression of his ideals, though it ultimately created significant friction with the Avignon papacy and led to the loss of his friendship with Cardinal Colonna.4