The Italian Tales

In our previous episodes, we watched the meteoric rise of Manfred of Sicily, the ambitious son of Emperor Frederick II. By 1264, however, storm clouds gathered far from Sicily’s shores, heralding the arrival of Charles of Anjou, France's fearsome prince chosen by the Papacy to topple Manfred’s reign.Join me as we witness the dramatic climax: the shifting tides of war, accounts of heroism and horror, and the desperate struggle for supremacy between the Sicilian and Angevin forces, culminating in the brutal Battle of Benevento in February 1266.

After the ruthless pacification of his kingdom, Manfred of Sicily took a bold step towards ultimate power: on 10 August 1258, amid rumours of his nephew Conradin’s death, he crowned himself King of Sicily in Palermo.With this act, Manfred’s reign burst onto the European stage, backed by formidable military might and a sophisticated bureaucracy that poured unprecedented wealth into his coffers—exceeding even the revenues of the kings of France and England.Yet behind his glittering court, enriched by scholars, troubadours, and powerful nobles like the Lancias, lay a dark shadow: ruthless repression and calculated assassinations cemented Manfred’s rule.But ambition can blind even the cleverest rulers: a disastrous defeat in Macedonia shattered his imperial hopes, while papal cunning drove wedges between him and his northern allies. In Tuscany, unrest simmered into open conflict, and the tide turned against Manfred's supporters.CREDITSMusic:"Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay"Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay"Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay"Medieval Settlement" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay"The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay"Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay"Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects:"Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay"Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay"Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay

In the aftermath of the catastrophic defeat at Montaperti, the fate of Florence hung by a thread.The Congress of Empoli gathered Siena, Pisa, and Arezzo—victorious cities, driven by vengeance, pushing for Florence's complete annihilation. It was here that the formidable Ghibelline leader, Farinata degli Uberti, stepped forth. Despite being an exile and fierce enemy of the Guelph regime, Farinata defied his allies, ready to defend his homeland.This episode is also available on YouTube! For enthusiasts, the written version — complete with bibliography and source links — is available on my blog.SOURCES - Dante Alighieri. (2023). Inferno (A. M. Chiavacci Leonardi, Ed. & Commentary, 27th ed.). Milan: Mondadori, Oscar Classici. (Inferno, Canto X, vv. 91–93)For English translation: Alighieri, D. (1918). The Divine Comedy, Vol. 1: Inferno (C. S. Norton, Trans.). Harvard University Press. - Marchionne di Coppo Stefani. (1780). Florentine Chronicle, in Delizie degli eruditi toscani (Vol. XIII, pp. 135–138). Florence: Gaetano Cambiagi, Granducal Press.(Cited in Balestracci, The Battle of Montaperti, 2019) - Villani, G. (1991). Nuova Cronica (G. Porta, Ed.). Parma: Fondazione Pietro Bembo / Guanda.(Originally written ca. 1348; cited chapters: Book VII, 79; 80; 91) - Balestracci, D. (2019). The Battle of Montaperti (Chapter VIII, §4). Roma-Bari: Laterza.(Mentions: Marchionne di Coppo Stefani, Florentine Chronicle, Book I, 47–48)CREDITSMusic: - "Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay - "Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay - "Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay - "Medieval Settlement" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay - "The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay - "Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay - "Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects: - "Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay - "Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay - "Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay

Join me as we relive the fierce rivalry between Florence and Siena culminating in the dramatic Battle of Montaperti, one of medieval Italy's bloodiest battles.Explore the cunning schemes of Farinata degli Uberti, the desperate bravery of knights and infantrymen, and the brutal betrayal that decided the fate of thousands.This episode is also available as a YouTube video: don't miss it, it features a lot of images from medieval manuscripts!For enthusiasts, the written version — complete with bibliography and source links — is available on my blog.SOURCESThe full scan of the book "La Sconfitta di Monte Aperto" by Niccolò di Giovanni di Francesco di Ventura (1442–1443) are available thanks to the work of Stéphane Mendelssohn (Guide artistique de la Province de Sienne).Alighieri, D. (2016). Divina Commedia: Inferno (A. Andreoli & P. M. C. Rizzo, Eds.). Mondadori.Montauri, P. di T. (Attributed). (2002). Cronaca senese (C. Giunta, Ed.). In L. A. Muratori (Series Ed.), Rerum Italicarum Scriptores, nuova edizione (Vol. 15/6). Salerno Editrice.Villani, G. (1991). Nuova Cronica (G. Porta, Ed.). Fondazione Pietro Bembo/Guanda. (Original work published ca. 1348)Balestracci, D. (2019). La battaglia di Montaperti. Editori Laterza.Spagnolo, A. (2004). La sconfitta di Monte Aperto: una cronaca e un cantare trecenteschi. Nuova Immagine Editrice.CREDITSMusic:"Prepare for War" by Marco Belloni (marcobellonimusic) from Pixabay"Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay"Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay"Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay"Medieval Settlement" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay"The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay"Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay"Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects:"Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay"Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay"Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay

A missed wedding day leads to a cold-blooded murder in the heart of Florence. This event marks the beginning of a blood feud between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions in the glorious city of medieval Florence.With this first episode, our inaugural season, "Florentine Blood", begins: a tale of bitter rivalries and shrewd politics that shaped the history of Italy for centuries to come.SOURCESFaini E., Il convito del 1216. La vendetta all'origine del fazionalismo fiorentino, in “Annali di Storia di Firenze”, Università degli studi di Firenze, 2006Villani G., Nuova Cronica, edited by G. Porta, Fondazione Pietro Bembo/Guanda, 1991Salvemini G., Magnati e popolani in Firenze dal 1280 al 1295, Feltrinelli, 1974Cardini F., Breve storia di Firenze, Pacini, 2007Please review the profile for a link containing all the books used to compose this episode.CREDITSMusic:"Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay"Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay"Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay"Medieval Settlemetn" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay"The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay"Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay"Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects:"Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay"Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay"Sword Thud" Sound Effect from PixabayAudio mixed and edited on Audacity by the author.Logo:Created on Canva by the author

Join me as we explore how ambition, fear, and rivalry plunged mid-13th-century Tuscany into war, bringing Florence and Siena to the bloody fields of Montaperti.In this episode, we’ll uncover the intense diplomatic manoeuvres, secret alliances, and dramatic events that set the stage for one of medieval Italy’s most infamous battles. Together, we'll examine the composition and strategies of Florentine and Sienese armies, revealing what medieval warfare really meant for ordinary citizens.From secret plots to fierce skirmishes, follow the tragic spiral of violence and ambition that transformed the beautiful Tuscan landscape into a battlefield soaked in blood.SOURCES - Lettera di Iacomo, Giovanni, Vincenti e altri compagni da Siena a Iachomo Guidi Chaciaconti, in Francia . In Paoli, C. (Ed.), Lettere volgari del secolo XIII scritte da senesi (pp. 13–24). Gaetano Romagnoli. - Balestracci, D. (2019). La battaglia di Montaperti. Editori Laterza. - Montauri, P. di T. (Attributed). (n.d.). Cronaca senese. As cited in Balestracci, D. (2019, p. 72). - Pispisa. (n.d.). Il Regno di Manfredi (p. 11). As cited in Balestracci, D. (2019, p. 35). - Villani, G. (1991). Nuova Cronica (G. Porta, Ed.). Fondazione Pietro Bembo/Guanda.CREDITSMusic: - "Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay - "Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay - "Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay - "Medieval Settlemetn" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay - "The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay - "Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay - "Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects: - "Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay - "Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay - "Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay

Join me as we journey through mid-13th-century Tuscany, shaken by the sudden death of Emperor Frederick II and plunged into a brutal struggle for supremacy.With the throne contested by Frederick's ambitious heirs—including his enigmatic son Manfred—alliances fracture, betrayals multiply, and the fierce rivalry between Guelphs and Ghibellines explodes once again. Discover how secret pacts, shifting loyalties, and popular uprisings reshaped the political landscape of cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, paving the way for even bloodier confrontations to come. SOURCES - Anonymous. (n.d.). Cronaca senese (14th century). As cited in Balestracci, D. (2017). La battaglia di Montaperti (p. 27). Laterza. - Balestracci, D. (2017). La battaglia di Montaperti (p. 49). Laterza. - Canaccini F. (2010) Restano i termini, mutano i significati: Guelfi e Ghibellini. L'evoluzione semantica dei nomi delle fazioni medioevali italiane. In: Lotta politica nell'Italia medievale, 85-94 - Cardini, F. (2007). Breve storia di Firenze. Pacini. - Caleffo Vecchio. (n.d.). Volume II, pp. 740–742. As cited in Balestracci, D. (2017, pp. 42, 45). La battaglia di Montaperti. Laterza. - Davidsohn, R. (1956–1968). Geschichte von Florenz (Vol. 1). Firenze. - Montauri, P. di T. (Attributed). (n.d.). Cronaca senese (pp. 192–193). As cited in Balestracci, D. (2017, p. 48). La battaglia di Montaperti. Laterza. - Pispisa. (n.d.). Il Regno di Manfredi (p. 11). As cited in Balestracci, D. (2017, p. 35). La battaglia di Montaperti. Laterza. - Villani, G. (1991). Nuova Cronica (G. Porta, Ed.). Fondazione Pietro Bembo/Guanda.CREDITSMusic: - "Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay - "Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay - "Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay - "Medieval Settlemetn" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay - "The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay - "Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay - "Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from PixabayEffects: - "Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay - "Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay - "Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay

*Discover how a personal vendetta in 1216 escalated into a brutal struggle between the powerful Guelph and Ghibelline factions in medieval Florence.*In this episode, we'll unravel the myths behind the factional divide, revealing it as a dynamic local power struggle rather than purely ideological conflict. From the city’s early independence after Matilda di Canossa’s reign, through the turbulent rise of merchant guilds, to the explosive rivalry between Emperor Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX, we'll examine how these dramatic events shaped Florence’s destiny.*SOURCES* - Anonymous. (n.d.). Cronaca senese (14th century). As cited in Balestracci, D. (2017). La battaglia di Montaperti (p. 27). Laterza. - Bartolo da Sassoferrato. (n.d.). De Guelphis et Gebellinis. As cited in Salvemini, G. (1974). Magnati e popolani in Firenze dal 1280 al 1295. Feltrinelli. - Canaccini F. (2010) Restano i termini, mutano i significati: Guelfi e Ghibellini. L'evoluzione semantica dei nomi delle fazioni medioevali italiane. In: Lotta politica nell'Italia medievale, 85-94 - Cardini, F. (2007). Breve storia di Firenze. Pacini. - Cavalli, A. (1914). Il fenomeno associativo dai collegia antichi alle corporazioni medioevali. Rivista Internazionale di Scienze Sociali e Discipline Ausiliarie, 66(262), 149–176. - Davidsohn, R. (1956–1968). Geschichte von Florenz (Vol. 1). Firenze. - Kington-Oliphant, T. L. (1862). History of Frederick II: Emperor of the Romans (Vol. 2, p. 54). Cambridge University Press. - Solmi, A. (1929). Arti. In Enciclopedia Italiana. Treccani. - Gasparri S., Di Salvo A., Simoni F. (2002). Antologia delle fonti bassomedievali, XV, Aristocrazia e Popolo nelle città italiane, 4. Il caso di Firenze, 2, Il Comune e il Popolo, Reti Medievali - Villani, G. (1991). Nuova Cronica (G. Porta, Ed.). Fondazione Pietro Bembo/Guanda*CREDITS*_Music:_ - "Ancient Wind" by Noru from Pixabay - "Epic Way" by Magnetic_Trailer from Pixabay - "Floralia" by theromancrow from Pixabay - "Medieval Settlemetn" by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay - "The Battle of Coalitions" by Peter Barbaix from Pixabay - "Anxious March - Full"by LiteSaturation from Pixabay - "Sad Dramatic Trailer" by Roman Senyk from Pixabay_Effects:_ - "Medieval Music" by Själ, on Hunehals Borg, from Pixabay - "Brutal Battle" by Marcus Vogt from Pixabay - "Sword Thud" Sound Effect from Pixabay