White Guelfs
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The White Guelfs were a political faction in medieval Italy, primarily active in Florence during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. They were a division within the larger Guelf party, which generally supported the papacy against the Holy Roman emperors.123
The Guelfs and Ghibellines were two opposing factions that caused significant conflict in medieval Germany and Italy. The Guelfs' name originated from the Welf dynasty of German dukes, while the Ghibellines' name came from the Hohenstaufen dynasty. In Florence, the Guelf party itself split into the White Guelfs and the Black Guelfs. The White Guelfs, led by figures like Vieri dei Cerchi, were generally associated with the lesser citizens and a more moderate stance, while the Black Guelfs, led by Corso Donati, represented the established wealthy merchants and favored a more aggressive policy. This internal strife led to the exile of leaders from both factions, contributing to the city's political instability.214
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FlorenceThe early period…merchants), the latter by the Whites (Bianchi; the lesser citizens).
Read More…merchants), the latter by the Whites (Bianchi; the lesser citizens).
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ItalyFlorence in the 14th century” Among the White Guelfs at this time was Dante (1265–1321), who had held public office. Doomed to spend the rest of his life in exile, he wrote La commedia (c. 1308–21), later named La divina commedia (The Divine Comedy), whose pages still offer eloquent testimony to the…
Read More” Among the White Guelfs at this time was Dante (1265–1321), who had held public office. Doomed to spend the rest of his life in exile, he wrote La commedia (c. 1308–21), later named La divina commedia (The Divine Comedy), whose pages still offer eloquent testimony to the…
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