What were the Guelfs and Ghibellines, and which side did the Este family support?

The Guelfs and Ghibellines were two opposing political factions that dominated medieval Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Guelfs were generally sympathetic to the papacy and opposed imperial interference, while the Ghibellines supported the Holy Roman emperors. This rivalry often intensified existing local antagonisms within Italian city-states, frequently leading to the exile of the losing party.1

The house of Este was a prominent princely family that played a significant role in this era. They were staunch leaders of the Guelf faction. By aligning themselves with the Guelf cause, the Estensi princes successfully secured control over several territories, including Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio. Their rise to power in Ferrara was solidified in 1240 when Azzo VII returned to the city in alliance with the Guelf league supported by Pope Gregory IX. This Guelf affiliation remained a cornerstone of the family's political strategy as they established their long-standing rule over their domains.234