Decrees of Roncaglia

Italian history

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June 17, 2026

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The Decrees of Roncaglia were a series of laws issued by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) in 1158 during his second descent into Italy. These decrees aimed to reassert imperial authority over the Italian communes, which had been increasingly asserting their autonomy.12

The decrees defined the imperial regalia, or royal rights, based on customary law, drawing heavily on Roman law principles. They sought to centralize power under the emperor, limiting the self-governance of the cities. The Roncaglia decrees were a significant factor in the growing conflict between the emperor and the Italian communes, leading to the formation of the Lombard League.123

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Germany
Hohenstaufen policy in Italy
…and the publication of the Roncaglia decrees, which defined royal rights and attempted to establish Frederick’s authority in Italy.
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…and the publication of the Roncaglia decrees, which defined royal rights and attempted to establish Frederick’s authority in Italy.
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Italy
Papal-imperial relations
…cities on the plain at Roncaglia to define the royal regalia (rights) on the basis of customary law. Four Bolognese lawyers joined 28 urban representatives in this task. The text of the three laws issued at Roncaglia, however, shows the increasing influence of Roman law at Frederick’s court.
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…cities on the plain at Roncaglia to define the royal regalia (rights) on the basis of customary law. Four Bolognese lawyers joined 28 urban representatives in this task. The text of the three laws issued at Roncaglia, however, shows the increasing influence of Roman law at Frederick’s court.
Read More