The works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel, citizen and secretary of Florence written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

The First Book OF THE HISTORY OF FLORENCE. (Book 1)

By NICHOLAS MACHIAVEL.

To His Holiness CLEMENT the VII.

THE people which live North-ward beyond the Rhine and the Danube, being born in a healthful and prolifick Clime,* 1.1 do many times increase to such insustainable numbers, that part of them are constrained to abandon their Native, in quest of new Countries to inhabit. When any of those Provinces are overcharged, and disposed to disgorge; the Order they observe is, to divide into three parts, so equally that each of the three consists of a just proportion of Noble and Ignoble,* 1.2 Rich and Poor. After which they cast Lots, and that part to whose fortune it falls, marches off to new Quarters where they can be found, while the other two disburden'd of their supernumeraries remain behind, and injoy their own Patrimonies in peace.* 1.3 These inundations and redundancies of people were the de∣struction of the Roman Empire, to which the Emperours themselves gave great opportu∣nity; for having forsaken Rome, the ancient Seat of the Empire, and remov'd their Re∣sidence to Constantinople, they left the Western Empire more weak, as being more re∣mote from their inspection, and by consequence more obnoxious both to their Governours and Enemies. And indeed, for the destruction of an Empire founded upon the bloud of so many brave men, there could not be less carelesness in the Princes, less treachery in the Ministers, nor less force and impetuosity in those who invaded: for one inundation being unable, several conspir'd and at last effected its ruine.

The first from those Northern Countries who invaded that Empire,* 1.4 (after the Cimbri which were vanquish'd by Marius a Citizen of Rome) were the Visi Goti or Western Goths, who after some Skirmishes and Conflicts upon the Consines of the Empire, were by concession of the Emperours assigned, and for a long time permitted quietly to possess a part of the Countrey along the Danube. And although upon several occasions, and at sundry times they invaded the Roman Provinces; yet by the vigilance and power of the Emperours they were always repell'd. The last that overcame them so gloriously, was Theodosius, who having subdu'd them to his obedience, they did not (as formerly) create themselves a King, but contented themselves with his Government and Pay, they submitted to both, and serv'd him faithfully in his Wars. But Theodosius being dead, and his two Sons Arcadius and

Honorius succeeding; not inheriting his Virtue and Fortune as well as his Crown, the Em∣pire began to decline, and the times (as their Emperour) to grow worse and worse.

To the three parts of the Empire, Theodosius in his life-time had preferred three Go∣vernours; Ruffinus to the East, Stilico to the West, and Gildo to the South; who all of them after the death of Theodosius despising the Title of Governours, resolv'd to make them∣selves Kings. Gildo and Ruffinus miscarried in their first Enterprise and were ruin'd: But Stilico being better at Hypocrisie than his Brethren, endeavoured to insinuate and work him∣self into a confidence with the Emperours, yet with design so to perplex and disturb their Affairs, that he himself might afterwards with more ease leap up into the Saddle. To incense the Visigots, and provoke them to mutiny, he counsel'd the Emperours to abate and retrench their former allowance; and least they should not be sufficient for the molestation of the Empire, he contrived that the Burgundi, Franchi, Vandali and Alani, (Northern people like the other, and in motion for new Quarters) should fall likewise upon the Roman Provinces.

The Visigoti as soon as they found themselves retrench'd, that they might be in better order to revenge it, created Alaricus their King, under whose conduct they assayl'd the Empire;* 1.5 and after several Rencounters and accidents, they over-ran all Italy, and sack'd Rome. Not long after, Alaricus died, and was succeeded by Ataulfus, who marrying Placidia the Emperours Sister, Articled upon the Match, to assist in the Relief of France and Spain, which Provinces were at that time much infested by the Vandali, Burgundi, Alani, and Franchi upon the aforesaid occasion. Ataulfus undertook only the Vandali, who having possest themselves of that part of Spain call'd Betica, being press'd hard by the Visigoti, and distressed beyond all remedy, they were call'd over by Boniface (who at that time Govern'd Africk for the Emperours) to come and plant there,* 1.6 for those Provinces being then in rebellion, he was afraid his ill Administration might be discovered. This invitation and their own Exigence concurring, the Vandals embrac'd that Enterprize, and performed many memorable and brave things in Africk, under Gensericus their King.

In the mean time Theodosius the Son of Arcadius succeeded to the Empire, who regard∣ing but litle the Affairs of the West, gave those Nations the first thoughts of fixing in their New Conquests. Accordingly the Vandali in Africk, the Alani and Visigoti in Spain, began to set up for themselves,* 1.7 and Lord it over the Natives. The Franchi, and the Bur∣gundi, not only over-run and possess'd themselves of France, but according to the parts they possest, they gave it their Names; one of them being call'd Francia, and the other Burgundia. The success of their Camrades inviting new multitudes to the subversion of the Empire, the Hunni fell upon Pannonia (which is a Province upon the banks of the Danube) and giving it their Name,* 1.8 have denominated it Hungaria to this very day. Then as an addition to the disorders, the Emperour finding himself attacked in so many places, to contract the num∣ber of his Enemies; he began first to treat and capitulate with the Vandals, then with the Franks, which Treaty increas'd the Authority of the Barbarians, and diminish'd his own. Nor was the Island of great Britain (call'd England at this day) exempt from its troubles: For the Britains grown apprehensive of the people which had Conquered France, and not discerning which way the Emperour would be able to defend them, call'd in the Angli (a Nation in Germany) to their assistance.* 1.9 The Angli, under the Conduct of Vortiger their King, undertook their defence, and at first behav'd themselves faithfully; afterwards their Opportunity increasing with their Power, they drove the Natives out of the Island, possess'd themselves of it, and gave it their Name in commutation for its liberty. Being robb'd of their Countrey, and made Valiant by Necessity, though they were not able to recover their own, the Britains began to think of invading some other, and planting themselves there. In this Resolution they cross'd the Seas with their whole Families, and possess'd themselves of those parts which lie upon the Coasts of France, and are call'd Britain to this day. The Hunns (who as was said before) had over-run Pannonia, being streightned and disturb'd in their Quarters by other Nations, viz. the Zepidi, Eruli, Turingi and Ostrogoti (or Eastern Goths) they rose again, and put themselves once more in motion for New Habitations. Not being able to force their way into France, which was at that time defended by the Bar∣barians,* 1.10 they fell into Italy under Attila their King, who not long before (to rid himself of a Partner in the Government) had slain Bleda his own Brother, and by that means made himself absolute. Andaricus King of the Zepidi, and Velamir King of the Ostrogoti remained as his Subjects. Attila having in this manner made his inroad into Italy, he be∣sieg'd Aquilegia,* 1.11 lay (without interruption) two years before it, wasted the Countrey round about it, and dispersed the Inhabitants, which (as we shall afterwards declare) was the occasion of building the City of Venice. After he had taken, sack'd and demolish'd

Aquilegia,* 1.12 and several other Towns, he advanc'd towards Rome, but forbore the destru∣ction of it upon the intercession of the Pope, for whom Attila had so great a Reverence and Veneration, that upon his single persuasion, he withdrew out of Italy into Austria, where he died. After Attila's death, Velamir King of the Ostrogoti, with the Commanders of other Nations,* 1.13 took up Arms against Tenricus and Eurius, Attila's Sons. One of them they kill'd, and forc'd the other with the Hunni back again over the Danube into their own Countrey: Upon which the Ostrogoti and Zepidi plac'd themselves in Pannonia, and the Eruli and Turingi remain'd upon the Bank of the Danube.

Attila being departed out of Italy, Valentinianus at that time Emperour of the West, had a design to repair that Empire;* 1.14 and for his Capacity of defending it with more Ease and Convenience against the irruptions of the Barbarians, he quitted Rome, and setled his Residence at Ravenna. The Calamities wherewith the Western Empire had been oppres∣sed, were the occasion that the Emperour residing at Constantinople, had many times transfer'd the possession of it to other people as a thing of great danger and expence, many times without the Emperour's permission;* 1.15 the Romans seeing themselves deserted, had created new Emperours in order to their defence; and sometimes other persons taking advantage of their own Interest and Authority, Usurp'd, as it happen'd when Maximus a Citizen of Rome, got possession of it after the death of Valentinianus, and forc'd his Widow Eudoxa to take him for her Husband, who desirous of revenge, and disdaining (being of Imperial extraction) the Embraces of so inferiour a person, she invited privately Gensericus King of the Vandals into Italy, remonstrating the Easiness and Utility of the Conquest; who al∣lured by the Prize, was without much difficulty perswaded. He entred Italy with his Ar∣my, march'd up to Rome, found it abandon'd, sack'd it, and continued in it fourteen days; after which he took and plundr'd several other Towns, and having laden both himself and his Army with the Spoyl, he return'd into Africk. The Romans returning (upon his departure) Maximus being dead, they made Avicus (a Roman) Emperour. After many occurrences both within Italy and without, and the death of several Emperours, the Empire of Constantinople fell into the hands of Zeno, and the Empire of Rom•• (by Stratagem and Ar∣tifice) to Orestes, and Augustulus his Son, who, preparing to defend it by force, were in∣vaded by the Eruli and Turingi (plac'd as we said before upon the Banks of the Danube) Confederate for that Expedition under the Command of Odoacres their General.* 1.16 Of such places as they had thought good to baulk and leave empty, the Lombards possessed them∣selves, a Northen Nation like the rest, and Commanded by Godoglio their King, which were the last People that plagued Italy, as shall be shown in its place. Odoacres having made his way into Italy, he encountred, vanquish'd, and slew Orestes near Pavia, but Augustulus got off* 1.17 After this Victory, that the Title might change with the Government, Odoacres caus'd himself to be call'd King of Rome, and was the first Chieftain of those Nations (which at that time over-ran the whole World) that thought of fixing in Italy; for (either suspect∣ing their abilities to keep it, by reason of the easiness and facility wherewith it might be re∣liev'd by the Emperour of the East, or for some other secret cause) the rest had ravag'd and plunder'd it, but they always retir'd, and sought out other Countreys for their Establish∣ment and Plantation.

In those days,* 1.18 the ancient Empire of Rome was reduc'd under these Princes. Zeno Governing in Constantinople, Commanded the whole Empire of the East. The Ostrogoti Commanded Mesia: The Visigoti, Pannonia: The Suevi and Alani, Gascoigne and Spain: The Vandali Africa: The Franchi and Burgundi, France: The Eruli and Turingi, Italy. The Kingdom of the Ostrogoti was devolv'd upon a Nephew of Velamir's call'd Theodorick, who retaining an Amity with Zeno Emperour of the East, writ him word, That his Ostrogoti being in Valour superiour to other Nations, they thought it injust and un∣reasonable to be inferiour in Territory and Command, and that it would be impossible for him to confine them within the Limits of Pannonia. That being therefore necessitated to comply, and suffer them to take up Arms in quest of New Countreys, he could do no less than give him timely advertisment, that he might provide against the worst, and if he pleas'd assign them some other Countrey, which by his Grace and Favour they might in∣habit with more Latitude and Convenience. Whereupon Zeno partly out of fear, and partly desirous to drive Odoacres out of Italy,* 1.19 directed Theodorick against him, and gave him that Countrey for his pains, when it was his fortune to catch it. Theodorick accepts the Proposi∣tion, removes from Pannonia (where he left the Zepidi his Friends) and marching into Italy, slew Odoacres and his S••n, call'd himself King of Rome by his Example, and made Ravenna his Residence, upon the same Reasons as had prevail'd before with Valentinian: Theodorick was an excellent person both in War and Peace. In the first he was always Victor, in the last a continual Benefactor, as that City and that Nation experimented often.

He divided his Ostrogoti into several Countreys, appointing Governours over them, that might Command in time of Wars, and Correct in time of Peace. He inlarged Ravenna, and repair'd Rome, and restor'd all its Priviledges, except its Military Discipline. With∣out any noise or tumult of War, by his own single Wisdom and Authority, he kept all the Barbarian Princes (who had Cantonized the Empire) in their just bounds. He built several Towns and Castles between the Adriatick-Sea and the Alps, to obstruct any new Incursion by the Barbarians; and had not his many Virtues been sulli'd and eclipsed to∣wards his latter end by some Cruelties he committed upon a jealousie of being depos'd (as the deaths of Symmachus and Boetius, both of them virtuous men, do sufficiently declare) his Memory would have been this day as honourable, as his Person was then: for by his Vertue and Bounty, not only Rome and Italy, but all the rest of the Western Empire was freed from the continual Conflicts, which for so many years it indur'd by the frequent ir∣ruption of the Barbarians, and reduc'd into good Order and Condition: And certainly if any times were ever miserable in Italy, and those Provinces which were over-run by the Barbarians, they were the times betwixt the Reigns of A••cadius and Honorius, and his; for if it be consider'd what inconveniences, and damage do generally result to a Common-wealth or Kingdom upon alteration of Prince or Government, especially if effected not by forreign force, but civil dissention: If it be observed, how fatal the least Changes prove to Common-wealth or Kingdom how potent soever, it may easily be imagin'd how much Italy and other Provinces of the Roman Empire suffer'd in those days, losing not only their Government, but their Laws, Customs, Conversations, Religions, Language, Habits, and even their Names! The thoughts of any one of which things (without so great an accumu∣lation) would make the stoutest heart to ake, much more the seeing and feeling of them. And as this was the destruction, so it was the foundation and augmentation of many Cities. In the number of those which were ruin'd was Aquileia, Luni, Chiusi, Popolonia, Fiesole, and many others. Among those which were new built, were Venice, Siena, Ferrara, l' Aquila, and several other both Towns and Castles, which for brevity sake I omit. Those which from small beginnings became great and considerable, were Florence, Genoa, Pisa, Milan, Naples, and Bolonia, to which may be added the ruine and reparation of Rome, and several other Cities which were demolish'd and rebuilt. Among these devastations, and inroads of new people, there sprang forth new Languages, as is visible by what is us'd both in France, Spain, and Italy, which being mixt with the Language of their Invaders and the ancient Roman, is become new, and clear another thing to what it was before. Besides not only the Provinces lost their Names, but particular places, Rivers, Seas, and Men; France, Italy, and Spain, being full of new Appellatives, quite contrary to what they were of old; as the Po, Garda, and Archipelago, for Rivers and Seas; and for Men, in stead of Cesar and Pompey, they began to be call'd Peter, Iohn, Matthew, &c. But among all these Variations, the changing of their Religions was of no less impor••ance: for the Custome and Prescription of the ancient Faith being in combat and competition with the Miracles of the New, many tumults and dissentions were created, which had the Chri∣stian Church been unanimous and entire, would never have happen'd: but the Greek, the Roman, the Church at Ravenna being in contention, and the Heretick, with the Ca∣tholick as furiously zealous, they brought great misery upon the World, as Africa can witness, which suffer'd more by their Arrianism (which was the Doctrine of the Vandals) than by all their avarice and cruelty. Whilst men lived expos'd to so many persecutions, the terrour and sadness of their hearts was legible in their faces; for besides the multitude of Calamities they endured otherwise, great part of them had not power to betake them∣selves to the protection of God Almighty (who is the surest refuge of all that are in distress) for being uncertain whither their devotions were to be directed, they died miserably with∣out any.

Theodorick therefore deserved no small praise, who was the first which gave them respite from the multitude of their Evils, and restored Italy to such a degree of Grandeur in the thirty eight years which he raigned there, that there was scarce any thing to be seen of its former desolation:* 1.20 but when he died, and the Government devolv'd upon Atalaricus the Son of Amalasciunta his Sister, in a short time (the malice of their Fortune being not exhausted as yet) they relaps'd, and fell over head and ears into their old troubles again: For Atalaricus dying not long after him, the Kingdom fell into the hands of his Mother, who was betray'd by Theodate, (a person she had call'd in to assist her in the Government.) She being remov'd, and he made King, to the great dissatisfaction of the Ostrogoths, to whom that Usurpation had made him insufferably odious; Iustinian the Emperour took courage, began to think of driving him out of Italy, and deputed Bellisarius his General for that Expedition, who before had Conquer'd Africa, driven out the Vandals, and

reduc'd it under that Empire again. Having first possessed himself of Sicily, and from thence passed his Army into Italy, Bellisarius recovered Naples and Rome. The Goths foreseeing their destruction;* 1.21 kill'd Theodate their King as the occasion of all, and elected Vitegetes in his place, who after several Skirmishes was at length besieged and taken in Ravenna by Bellisarius, who (not prosecuting his Victory as was expected) was call'd back by Iustinian, and his Command given to Iohannes and Vitalis, who were much short of him both in Virtue and Conversation; so that the Goths took heart, and created Ildovado their King, who was at that time Governour of Verona: and being kill'd shortly after, the Kingship fell to Totila; who beat the Emperours forces, recover'd Tuscany, and subdu'd the Governours of all those Provinces which Bellisarius had reduc'd. Upon which mis∣fortune Iustinianus thought it necessary to send him again into Italy; but returning with small Force, he rather lost what he had gained before, than acquir'd any new Reputation. For Totila (whilst Bellisarius lay incamped with his Army at Hostia) besieg'd Rome,* 1.22 and took it as it were under his Nose; and then upon consideration that he could neither well keep nor relinquish it, he demolish'd the greatest part of it, forcing away the people, and carrying the Senators as Prisoners along with him, and taking no notice of Bellisarius, he advanc'd with his Army into Calabria to encounter and cut off certain supplies which were sent out of Greece to reinforce him. Bellisarius seeing Rome abandon'd in this manner, addressed himself to a very honourable Enterprise, and entring the City, re∣pair'd the Walls withall possible Celerity, and re-invited the Inhabitants when he had done. But Fortune concurr'd not to the nobleness of his design: for Iustinianus being at that time invaded by the Parthi, Bellisarius was call'd back to repell the Invasion. In obe∣dience to his Master, he marched his Army out of Italy, and left that Province to the discretion of the Enemy, who seized again upon Rome, but us'd it not so barbarously as before, being wrought upon by the prayers of Saint Benedict (a person very eminent in those times for his Sanctity) he apply'd himself rather to repair than destroy it. In the mean time Iustinian had made a Peace with the Parthi, and resolving to send new Supplies into Italy, he was diverted by a new Alarm from the Sclavi (another Northern people) who had pass'd the Danube, and fallen upon Illyria and Thrace: So that Totila had his full swing, and was in a manner in possession of all Italy. As soon as Iustinian had Conquer'd the Sclavi, and setled the Countreys which they had invaded, he sent a new Army into Italy under the Conduct of Narsetes an Eunuch,* 1.23 a brave Captain, and of great experience in the Wars. Being arrived in Italy, he fought, beat, and kill'd Totila, after whose death the remainder of the Goths retir'd into Pavia, and made Teia their King. On the other side, Narsetes after his Victory took Rome, and than marching against Teia he ingaged him about Nocera, defeated his Army, and slew him among the rest: By which disaster the very Name of the Goths was well near extinguish'd in Italy, where they had reigned from the time of Theodorick, to this Teia, full seventy years. But Italy was scarce warm in its Liberty, when Iustinianus dy'd, and left his Son Iustinus to succeed, who by the Counsel of his Wife Sophia, recall'd Narsetes out of Italy, and sent Longinus in his place. Longinus, according to the Example of his Predecessors, kept his Residence at Ravenna, in other things he digress'd,* 1.24 and particularly by introducing a new form of Government in Italy, not constituting Governours in every Province as, the Goths had done before, but deputing a Captain in every City or other Town of importance, with the Title of Duke. Nor in this distribution did he show any greater favour to Rome, than to the rest; for re∣moving the Consuls and Senate (Names which to that time had been sacred among them) he constituted a Duke which he sent every year from Ravenna, and his Government was call'd the Dukedom of Rome. But lie that more immediately represented the Emperour at Ravenna, and had the Universal Government of Italy, was call'd Esarco. This division not only facilitated the ruine of Italy, but hasten'd it exceedingly by giving the Lombards opportunity to possess it. Narsetes was much disgusted with the Emperour for calling him off from the Command of those Provinces which by his own Vertue, and effusion of his bloud he had acquir'd: And Sophia not thinking it injury sufficient to get him recall'd, had given out contumelious words, as if she would make him Spin among the rest of the Eunuchs. Whereupon in great disdain Narsetes incourag'd Alboino King of the Lombards, (who at that time Govern'd in Pannonia) to invade Italy and possess it.

As was shown before, the Lombards were enter'd and had taken possession of such places upon the Danube as had been deserted by the Eruli and Turingi, when Odoacres their King conducted them into Italy. They had continued there some time, till their Kingdom fell to Alboino, for a daring and couragious man, under whom passing the Danube, they encoun∣ter'd with Commodus King of the Zepidi (a People planted in Pannonia) and overcame him. Among the rest Rosmunda one of Commodus Daughters was taken Prisoner, whom Alboinus

took for his Wife, made himself Lord of her Countrey, and mov'd by the barbarousness of his nature, he caus'd a Cup to be made of her Father's Skull, and in memory of that Victory, drank out of it very often. But being call'd into Italy by Narsetes, with whom he had retain'd a Friendship in his Wars with the Goths; he left Pannonia to the Hunni (who as we said before, return'd into their own Countrey after the death of Attila) march'd into Italy, and finding it so strangly Cantoniz'd and divided, he possessed (or rather surpriz'd) Pavia, Milan, Verona, Vicenza, all Tuscany, and the great part of Flaminia (call'd now Romagnia); So that presuming from the greatness and suddenness of his Con∣quests, all Italy was his own, he made a solemn Feast at Verona, where much drinking having exalted his Spirits, and Commodus his Skull being full of Wine, he caus'd it to be presented to Rosmunda the Queen, who sat over against him at the Table, declaring (and that so loud she could not but hear) that at a time of such hearty and extraordinary Mirth, it was fit she should drink one Cup with her Father. Which expression touching the Lady to the quick, she resolv'd to be reveng'd; and knowing that Almachilde, a young and valiant Lombard, had an intrigue with one of her Maids, she prevail'd that she might personate her one night, and lie with him her self. Accordingly Almachilde being introduc'd upon a time into a very dark place, he injoy'd Rosmunda instead of her Maid. The Business being done, Rosmunda discover'd her self, told him what was pass'd; That now it was at his Choice, whether he would kill Alboino,* 1.25 and injoy her and her Kingdom, or be kill'd him∣self for vitiating his Wife. Almachilde had no fancy to be slain, and therefore chose the other Proposition of killing his Master; but when they had kill'd him, they found them∣selves so far from acquiring the Kingdom, that they were afraid of being made away by the Lombards, out of the affection they bare to the Memory of Alboino; for which cause packing up with all the Jewels and Treasure they could make, they marched off to Longinus at Revenna, who receiv'd them honourably.

During these Troubles, Iustinus the Emperour died, and Tiberius was elected in his Place; but being imploy'd in his Wars against the Parthians, he was not at leasure to send Relief into Italy. Which Longinus looking upon as an opportunity to make himself King of the Lombards, and of all Italy besides, by the help of Rosmunda and her Treasure; he imparted his Design to her, and perswaded her to kill Almachilde, and take him afterwards for her Husband. She accepted the Motion, and having in order thereunto prepar'd a Cup of Poison, she gave it with her own hand to Almachilde as he came thirsty out of a Bath, who having drank off half, finding it work, and great Convulsions within him, concluding what it was, he forc'd her to drink the rest, so that in a few hours both of them died, and Longinus lost all hopes of making himself King. In the mean time at a Convention of the Lombards at Pavia (which they had made their Metropolis) they created Clefi their King, who re-edified Imola, that had been destroyed by Narsetes. He conquer'd Rimini, and in a manner all up as far as Rome, but died in the middle of his Cariere. This Clefi be∣hav'd himself so cruelly, not only to Strangers, but even to the Lombards themselves, that the Edge of their Monarchical inclination being taken off, they would have no more Kings, but constituted Thirty, they call'd Dukes, to Govern under them. Which Counsel was the cause the Lombards extended not their Conquests over all Italy, nor dilated their Dominion beyond Benevento, Rome, Ravenna, Cremona, Mantua, Padua, Monfelice, Parma, Bolonia, Faenza, Furli, Cesana; some of them defended themselves for some time, other never fell at all under their subjection. For having no King, they were first render'd un∣apt for the Wars; and when afterwards they reassum'd their Old Government, and created Kings again, the small relish and taste the people had had of Liberty, render'd them less obedient to their Prince, and more contentious among themselves, and not only put a stop to the Cariere of their Victories at first, but was the occasion afterwards, that they were driven out of Italy. Things being in this posture with the Lombards; The Romans, and Longinus came to terms with them, and it was agreed, that Arms should be laid down on all hands, and each enjoy what was in their proper possession.

About this time the Bishops of Rome began to take upon them, and to exercise greater Authority than they had formerly done.* 1.26 At first the Successors of Saint Peter were vene∣rable and eminent for their Miracles, and the holiness of their Lives; and their Examples added daily such numbers to the Christian Church, that to obviate or remove the Con∣fusions which were then in the World, many Princes turned Christians, and the Emperour of Rome being converted among the rest, and quitting Rome, to hold his Residence at Con∣stantinople; the Roman Empire (as we have said before) began to decline, but the Church of Rome augmented as fast. Nevertheless, untill the coming in of the Lombards, all Italy being under the dominion either of Emperours or Kings, the Bishops assumed no more power than what was due to their Doctrine, and Manners; in Civil Affairs, they were

subject to the Civil Power,* 1.27 imploy'd many times by the Emperours and Kings, as their Ministers; and many times executed for their ill Administration. But Theodorick King of the Gothi, fixing his Seat at Ravenna, was that which advanc'd their interest, and made them more considerable in Italy; for there being no other Prince left in Rome, the Romans were forc'd for Protection to pay greater Allegiance to the Pope. And yet their Authority advanc'd no farther at that time, than to obtain the Preference before the Church of Ra∣venna. But the Lombards having invaded, and reduc'd Italy into several Cantons; the Pope took the opportunity, and began to hold up his head: For being as it were Governour and Principal at Rome, the Emperour of Constantinople and the Lombards bare him a re∣spect, so that the Romans (by mediation of their Pope) began to treat and confederate with Longinus and the Lombards, not as Subjects, but as Equals and Companions; which said Custom continuing, and the Popes entring into Allyance sometimes with the Lombards, and sometimes with the Greeks, contracted great reputation to their dignity: But the de∣struction of the Eastern Empire following so close under the Reign of the Emperour Heracleus,* 1.28 in whose time the Schiavi (a people we mention'd before) fell again upon Illyria and over-ran it, and call'd it Sclavonia, from their own Name. The other parts of that Empire being infested first by the Persians, afterwards by the Saracens, out of Arabia, un∣der the Conduct of Mahomet, and last of all, by the Turks, and having lost several Pro∣vinces which were members of it, as Syria, Africa, and Egypt: The Pope lost the conve∣nience of the Emperours protection in time of Adversity, and the power of the Lombards increasing too fast on the other side, he thought it but necessary to address himself to the King of France for assistance; so that the Wars which hapned afterwards in Italy, were occasioned by the Popes, and the several inundations of Barbarians, invited by them; which manner of proceeding having continued to our times, has held, and does still hold Italy divided and in••irm. But in my description of Occurrences betwixt those times and our own, I shall not inlarge upon the ruine of the Empire, which in truth receiv'd but little assistance from the Popes, or any other Princes of Italy, till the dayes of Charles the 8th. but discourse rather how the Popes with their Censures, Comminations and Arms, mingled together with their Indulgences, became formidable and reverenced, and how ha∣ving made ill use both of the one and the other, they have lost the one entirely, and remain at the discretion of other people for the other. But to reurn to our Order. I say that Gregory the Third being created Pope, and Aistolfus King of the Lombards; Aistolfus con∣trary to League and Agreement, seiz'd upon Ravenna, and made War upon the Pope: Gregory not daring (for the reasons abovesaid,) to depend upon the weakness of the Empire, or the fidelity of the Lombards (whom he had already found false) appli'd himself to Pepin the Second, who from Lord of Austracia and Brabantia, was become King of France, not so much by his own Virtue, as by the Chivalry of his Unkle Pepin, and Charles Martel his Father: For Charles Martel being Governour of that Kingdom, gave that memorable de∣feat to the Saracens near Torsi upon the River Totra, in which above 200000. of them were slain; upon the reputation of which Victor'y under the discipline of his Father, and his own deportment in it besides, Pepin was afterwards made King of that Kingdom; to whom, when Pope Gregory appli'd himself for Relief against the Lombards, Pepin return'd Answer, that he would be ready to assist him, but he desir'd first to have the honour to see him, and pay his personal respects. Upon which Invitation Pope Gregory went into France, passing thorow the Lombards Quarters without any interruption, so great Reverence they bare to Religion in those days. Being arriv'd, and honourably receiv'd in France, he was after some time dismiss'd with an Army into Italy; which having besieg'd Pavia, and re∣duc'd the Lombards to distress, Aistolfus was constrain'd to certain terms of Agreement with the French, which were obtain'd by the intercession of the Pope, who desir'd not the death of his Enemy, but that he might rather be converted and live. Among the rest of the Articles of that Treaty, it was agreed, That Aistolfus should restore all the Lands he had usurped from the Church. But when the French Army was return'd into France, Aistolfus forgot his Ingagement, which put the Pope upon a second Application to King Pepin, who re-suppli'd him again, sent a new Army into Italy, overcame the Lombards, and possessed himself of Ravenna, and (contrary to the desire of the Grecian Emperour) gave it to the Pope, with all the Lands under that Exarchat, and the Countrey of Urbino, and la Marca into the bargain. In the interim Aistolfus died, and Desiderio a Lombard, and Duke of Tuscany, taking up Arms to succeed him, begg'd Assistance of the Pope, with Promise of perpetual Amity for the future; which the Pope granted, as far as the other Princes would consent. At first Desiderio was very punctual, and observed his Articles to a hair, delivering up the Towns as he took them to the Pope, according to his Ingage∣ment to King Pepin, nor was there any Exarchus sent afterwards from Constantinople to

Ravenna, but all was Arbitrary, and manag'd according to the pleasure of the Pope. Not long after, Pepin died, and Charles his Son succeeded in the Government, who was call'd the Great, from the greatness of his Exploits. About the same time Theodore the First was advanc'd to the Papacy, and falling out with Desiderio, was besieg'd by him in Rome. In his exigence the Pope had recourse to the King of France (as his Predecessor had done before him) and Charles not only suppli'd him with an Army, but marching over the Alps at the Head of it himself, he besieg'd Desiderio in Pavia, took him and his Son in it, sent them both Prisoners into France, and went in person to Rome, to visit the Pope, where he adjudg'd and determin'd, That his Holiness being God's Vicar, could not be subject to the Iudgment of Man. For which the Pope and people together, declar'd him Emperour, and Rome began again to have an Emperour of the West; and whereas formerly the Popes were confirm'd by the Emperours,* 1.29 the Emperour now in his Election was to be behold∣ing to the Pope; by which means, the power and dignity of the Empire declin'd, and the Church began to advance, and by these steps to usurp upon the Authority of Temporal Princes. The Lombards had been in Italy 222 years, so long as to retain nothing of their original Barbarity but their name. Charles being desirous to reform Italy, in the time of Leo III. was contented they should inhabit and denominate the parts where they were born, which since then, have been call'd Lombardy: and because the name of Rome was venerable among them; he appointed that part of Italy which was adjacent, and un∣der the Exarchat of Ravenna, should be call'd Romagnia. Moreover, he created his Son Pepin King of Italy, extending his Jurisdiction as far as Benevento; all the rest was continued under the dominion of the Grecian Emperour, with whom Charles had made an Alliance. During these Transactions,* 1.30 Pascal the First was elected Pope, and the Parish Priests in Rome, by reason of their propinquity and readiness at every Election, to adorn their power with a more illustrious Title, began to be call'd Cardinals; arrogating so much to themselves, (especially after they had excluded the Voices of the people) that seldom any Pope was created but by them, out of their own number. Pascal being dead, he was suc∣ceeded by Eugenius the Second, of the Order of Santa Sabina. Italy being in this manner under the Authority of the French,* 1.31 changed its Form and Oeconomy in some measure; for the Pope having incroach'd upon the Temporal Authority, created Counts and Marquesses, as Longinus Exarchat of Ravenna,* 1.32 had made Dukes before. After some few, Ospurcus a Roman succeeded to the Papacy, who not satisfied with the uncomliness of his Name, call'd himself Sergius, and gave the first occasion for the changing their Names, which has since been frequently practis'd at their several Elections. About this time Charles the Empe∣rour died, and his Son Lodovic succeeded, yet not so quietly, but that there arose so many and so great differences betwixt his Sons, that in the days of his Grand-Children, the Empire was wrested from his Family, restor'd to the Almans, and the next German Emperour was call'd Ainolfus. Nor did Charles his Posterity by their dissentions lose only the Em∣pire, but their Soveraignty in Italy likewise; for the Lombards resuming Courage, fell foul upon the Pope and his Romans, who not knowing to whose protection to betake himself, was constrain'd to make Berengarius (Dukeof Friuli) King of Italy. Incouraged by these Accidents, the Hunni (who at that time were planted in Pannonia) took heart, and invaded Italy, but coming to a Battel with Berengarius, they were overthrown, and forc'd back again into Pannonia, or rather into Hungaria, it being at that time call'd by their Name. At that time Romano was Emperour of Greece, who being General of his Army had usurp'd upon Constantine, and forc'd the Government out of his hand; and because during these innovations, Puglia and Calabria (which as I said before, had subjected themselves to that Empire) were then in Rebellion; inrag'd at their insolence, he permitted the Sa∣racens to possess those Countreys, if they could gain them; who invading them thereupon, immediately subdu'd them, and attempted upon Rome. But the Romans, (Berengarius being imploy'd against the Hunni) made Alberigo, Duke of Tuscany, their General; by whose Valour their City was preserv'd, and the Saracens raising their Siege retir'd, built a Castle upon the Mountain Gargano, and from thence Lorded it over Puglia and Calabria, and infested all that part of Italy besides. Thus it was that Italy in those times was mar∣velously afflicted towards the Alps by the Hunni, towards Naples by the Saracens; and it continued in that Agony several years, under three Berengarii successively; during which time the Pope and the Church were under no the less perturbation; having no refuge to fly to, by reason of the dissention among the Western Princes, and the impotence of the Eastern.* 1.33 The City of Genoa, and all its Territory upon the Rivers, were over-run by the Sara••ens, which, by the resort of multitudes (driven thither out of their own Countrey) was the foundation of the Grandeur of Pisa. These Accidents happen'd in the year DCCCCXXXI. But Ottone Son of Enricus and Matilda, and Duke of Saxony, coming

to the Empire, and being a man of great reputation for his Conduct and Prudence, Agabito the Pope addressed himself to him, imploring his Assistance in Italy against the Tyranny of the Berengarii.* 1.34 The States of Italy in those days were Govern'd in this man∣ner. Lombardy was under the Jurisdiction of Berengarius the Third, and Albertus his Son. Tuscany and Romania under the Dominion of a Governour deputed by the Emperour of the West. Puglia and Calabria were part under the Greek Empire, and part under the Saracens. In Rome, two Consuls were created out of the Nobility every year, according to ancient Custome, to which a Prefect was added to administer Justice to the people. They had moreover a Counsel of Twelve, who provided Governours annually for all Towns under their Jurisdiction. The Pope had more or less power in Rome, and in all Italy, ac∣cording as his favour was more or less with the Emperour, or other persons which were more potent than he. Ottone, to gratifie his request, came into Italy with an Army, fought with the Berengarii, drove them out of their Kingdom (which they had injoy'd 55 years) and restor'd the Pope to his former dignity. Ottone had a Son, and a Grand-Child of his own Name, both which, one after the other, succeeded in the Empire, and in the time of Ottone the Third, Pope Gregory the Fifth was expelled by the Romans.* 1.35 Ottone undertook a new Expedition into Italy in his behalf, and having once again re-establish'd him in his Chair, the Pope to be reveng'd of the Romans, took from them the power of Creating the Emperours, and conferr'd it upon six German Princes; Three Bishops, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Treves and Colen, and Three temporal Princes, the Duke of Brandenburg, the Prince Palatine of the Rhine, and the Duke of Saxony; and this happen'd in the year 1002. After the death of Ottone the Third, Enrico Duke of Bavaria was created Emperour by the said Electors, and was Crown'd twelve years after by Stephanus the Eighth. Enricus and Simeonda his Wife, were eminent for their Piety, having as a Testimony of it, built and endow'd several Churches, and among the rest that of S. Miniato, near the City of Florence. In the year 1024, Enrico died, was succeeded by Corrado of Suevia, and he by Enrico II, who coming to Rome, and finding a Schism in the Church, and three Popes in being at the same time, he degraded them all,* 1.36 and causing Clement II. to be elected, was Crown'd Emperour by him. Italy was then govern'd partly by the People, partly by Princes, and partly by the Emperours Ministers, the chiefest of which (to whom the rest did in all matters of importance refer) had the Title of Chancellor. Among the Princes, the most powerful was Gottifredus, Husband to the Countess Matilda, who was Sister to Enricus II. She and her Husband had the possession of Lucca, Parma, Reggio, and Mantua, with all that Countery which is now call'd the Patrimony of the Church. The Popes at that time had no small trouble upon their hands, by reason of the ambition of the people of Rome; who having at first made use of the Papal Authority to free themselves of the Emperours, as soon as the Popes had taken upon them the Regiment of the City, and reform'd things as they thought good themselves, of a sudden they became their Enemies; and they receiv'd more injury from the people, than from any other Christian Prince whatsoever, Rebelling and mutining at the same time the Popes by their Censures, made the whole West to tremble; nor was the design of either of them less than to subvert the Authority and Re∣putation of the one and the other. Nicolas II. arriving at the Popedom, as Gregory V. had taken from the Romans the priviledge of creating the Emperour;* 1.37 so he depriv'd them of their concurrence to the Election of the Pope, restraining it wholly to the suffrage of the Cardinals; nor contented with this, by agreement with the Princes which Govern'd at that time in Puglia and Calabria, (for reasons which shall be mentioned hereafter) he forc'd all the Officers sent thither by the people, to assert their Jurisdiction, to pay Allegiance to the Pope, and some of them he displaced. After Nicholaus was dead, there happen'd a great Schism in the Church:* 1.38 The Clergy of Lombardy would not yeild obedience to Alexander II. who was chosen at Rome, but created Cadalo of Parma, Anti-Pope. Enrico detesting the extravagant dominion of the Popes, sent to Alexander to resign, and to the Cardinals, that they should repair into Germany, in order to a new Election; so that he was the first Prince which was made sensible of the effects of their Spiritual Fulminations; for the Pope calling together a new Council at Rome, depriv'd him both of his Empire, and Kingdom. Some of the Italians following the Pope's, and some of them the Emperours party, was the foundation of that famous Faction betwixt the Guelfs and Ghibilins, in so much that for want of forreign inundations by the Barbarians,* 1.39 they turn'd their Arms upon them∣selves, and tore out their own Bowels. Enrico being Excommunicated, was forc'd by his own Subjects to come into Italy, where bare-footed, and upon his knees he begg'd his Pardon of the Pope, in the year MLXXX. Notwithstanding all this, not long after, there happen'd a new quarrel betwixt Enrico and the Pope; whereupon, provok'd by a new Excommunication, he sent his Son Enrico with an Army, who by the Assistance of

the Romans (whose hatred the Pope had contracted) besieg'd him in his Castle; but Ro∣berto Guiscardo coming from Puglia to his relief, Enrico had not the courage to attend him, but rais'd his Siege and retir'd into Germany. However the Romans continued obstinate, and Robert was forc'd to sack the Town, and reduce it to its ancient Ruines, from whence by several Popes it had been lately restor'd. And because from this Roberto, the Model of Govern∣ment in the Kingdom of Naples did proceed, it will not (in my judgment) be superfluous to give a particular Narrative, both of his Countrey and Exploits. Upon the differences betwixt Charlemain's Heirs (as is said before) a new Northern people call'd Normans took occasion to invade France, and possess'd themselves of that part of it which is now call'd Normandy. Of this people, part went into Italy, in the time when it was infested by the Berengarii, the Saracens, and Hunns; setling in Romania, and performing very valiantly in all those Wars. Of Tancred, one of the Princes of those Normans, were born several Sons, among which, William call'd Ferabar, and Roberto call'd Guiscardo, were two. William arriv'd to be Prince, and the Tumults in Italy were in some measure compos'd: But the Saracens having Sicily intire, and daily invasions made upon Italy, William entred into Confederacy with the Princes of Capua, and Salerno and with Milorcus a Grecian (who by the Emperour of Greece was deputed Governour of Puglia, and Calabria) to in∣vade Sicily, and in case of Victory, it was agreed among them, that both Prey and Countrey should be equaly divided. The Enterprize was prosperous; they beat the Saracens, drove them out of the Countrey, and possess'd it when they had done. But Milorcus causing more Forces to be transported privately out of Greece, seiz'd the Island for the Emperour, and divided only the Spoil. William was not a little disgusted, but reserving his indigna∣tion for a more Convenient time, he departed out of Sicily with the Princes of Capua and Salerno; who having taken their leaves of him to return to their Homes, in stead of mar∣ching to Romania, as he pretended to them, he fac'd about with his Army towards Puglia, surpriz'd Melfi, and behav'd himself so well against the Forces of the Emperour, that he made himself Master of most part of Puglia and Calabria, which Provinces at the time of Ni∣colas II. were Govern'd by his Brother Roberto; and because he had afterward great Con∣tention with his Nephews about the inheritance of those States, he made use of the Pope's mediation, who readily comply'd, being desirous to oblige Roberto, that he might de∣fend him against the German Emperour, and the people of Rome; and it afterwards happen'd (as we have said before) that at the instance of Gregory VII, he forc'd Enrico from Rome, and suppress'd the Sedition of the Inhabitants. Robert was succeeded by two of his Sons, Roger and William; to their Inheritance they annexed the City of Naples; and all the Countrey betwixt it and Rome; besides that, they subdu'd Sicily, of which Roger was made Lord. But William going afterwards to Constantinople, to marry that Empe∣rour's Daughter, Roger took advantage of his absence, seiz'd upon his Contrey, and elated by so great an acquest, caus'd himself first to be call'd King of Italy; but afterwards con∣tenting himself with the Title of King of Puglia and Sicily, he was the first that gave Name and Laws to that Kingdom,* 1.40 which to this day it retains, though many times since, not only the Royal Bloud, but the Nation has been changed; for upon failure of the Norman Race, that Kingdom devolv'd to the Germans; from them, to the French; from the French, to the Spaniards; and from the Spaniards, to the Flemens, with whom it remains at this present. Urban II. though very odious in Rome, was gotten to be Pope; but by reason of the dissentions there,* 1.41 not thinking himself secure in Italy, he remov'd with his whole Clergy into France. Having assembled many people together at Anvers, he undertook a Generous Enterprize, and by a learned Oration against the Infidels, kindled such a fire in their minds, they resolv'd upon an Expedition into Asia against the Saracens, which Ex∣pedition (as all other of the same nature) was call'd afterwards Crociate, because all that went along in it carry'd a red Cross upon their Arms,* 1.42 and their Cloths. The Chief Com∣manders in this Enterprize were Gottofredi Eustachio, Alduino di Buglione Earl of Bologna, and Peter the Hermit, a man of singular veneration both for his prudence and piety. Many Princes and Nations assisted with their Purses, and many private men serv'd as Voluntiers at their own Charges. So great an influence had Religion in those days upon the Spirits of Men, incourag'd by the Example of their several Commanders. At first the Enterprize was very successfull, all Asia minor, Syria, and part of Egypt fell under the power of the Christians; during which War, the Order of the Knights of Ierusalem was instituted, and continued a long time in Rhodes, as a Bulwark against the Turks. Not long after the Or∣der of the Knights Templers was founded, but it lasted not long, by reason of the disso∣luteness of their Manners. At sundry times after these things, upon sundry occasions, many accidents fell out, in which several Nations, and particular men signaliz'd themselves. There were ingag'd in this Expedition, the Kings of England and France, the States of

Pisa, Venice, and Genoa, all behaving themselves with great bravery, and sighting with variety of Fortune, till the time of Saladine the Saracen; but his Courage and Virtue im∣prov'd by intestine differences among the Christians, robb'd them of the glory they had gain'd at the first, and chased them out of a Countrey, where for Ninety years they had been so honourably,* 1.43 and so happily plac'd. After the death of Pope Urban, Pascal II. was chosen to succeed him, and Enrico IV. made Emperour, who coming to Rome; and pre∣tending great friendship to the Pope, took his advantage, clapt both him and his Clergy in Prison, and never discharg'd them till they had impowr'd him to dispose of the Churches in Germany as he pleas'd himself. About this time Matilda the Countess died, and gave her Patrimony to the Church. After the deaths of Pascal and Enric, many Popes and many Emperours succeeded,* 1.44 till the Papacy fell to Alexander III. and the Empire to Fre∣derick Barbarossa a Swede. The Popes of those days had many Controversies with the people of Rome, and the Emperours, which till the time of Barbarossa, rather increas'd than otherwise. Frederick was an excellent Soldier, but so haughty and high, he could not brook to give place to the Pope. Notwithstanding he came to Rome to be Crown'd, and return'd peaceably into Germany. But that humour lasted but little, for he return'd shortly into Italy, to reduce some Towns in Lombardy, which denied him obedience. In this juncture, Cardinal di S. Clemente (a Roman born) dividing from Pope Alexander, was made Pope himself by a Faction in the Conclave. Frederick the Emperour being then in∣camp'd before Crema,* 1.45 Alexander complain'd to him of the Anti-Pope: Frederick reply'd, That they should both of them appear personally before him, and that then, hearing faith∣fully what each of them could say, he should be better able to determine which was in the right. Alexander was not at all satisfied with the Answer, but perceiving the Emperour inclining to the Adversary, he Excommunicated him, and ran away to King Philip of France. For all that, Frederick prosecuted his Wars in Lombardy, took and dismantled Milan. Which put the Cities of Verona, Padua, and Venice, upon a Confederacy for their Common defence. In the mean time the Anti-Pope died, and Frederick presum'd to Create Guid•• of Cremona in his place. The Romans taking advantage of the Pope's absence, and the Emperour's diversion in Lombardy, had re-assum'd something of their former Authority, and began to require Obedience in the neighbouring places which had been anciently their Subjects. And because the Tuscans refus'd to submit, they march'd confusedly against them, but they being re-inforced by Frederick, gave the Roman Army such a blow, that since that time Rome could never recover its old Condition either for Populousness or Wealth. Upon these Events, Pope Alexander was return'd to Rome, presuming he might be safe there, by reason of the Animosity the Romans retain'd against the Emperour; and the Employment his Enemies gave him in Lombardy. But Frederick postponing all other respects, march'd with his Army to besiege Rome. Alexander thought it not convenient to attend him, but withdrew into Puglia to William, who upon the death of Roger (being next Heir) was made King. Frederick being much molested, and weaken'd by a Conta∣gion in his Army, rais'd his Siege, and went back into Germany. The Lombards which were in League against him, to restrain their Excursions, and streighten the Towns of Pavia and Tortona; caus'd a City to be built (which they intended for the Seat of the War) and call'd it Alexandria, in honour to Pope Alexander, and defiance to the Emperour. Guido the new Anti-Pope died likewise, and Iohn (of Fermo) was chosen in his room, who by the favour of the Imperial party, was permitted to keep his Residence in Monte Fiascone, whilst Alexander was gone into Tuscany, invited by that people, that by his Authority they might be the better defended against the Romans. Being there, Embassadors came to him from Henry King of England, to clear their Masters innocence in the death of Thomas Becket, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, with which he was publickly and most infamously aspersed.* 1.46 To inquire into the truth, the Pope sent two Cardinals into England, who (not∣withstanding, they found not his Majesty in any manifest guilt) yet for the scandal of the Fact, and that he had not honour'd the said Arch-Bishop with the respect he deserved, they prescribed as a Penance, That he should call all the Barons of his Kingdom together; swear his Innocence before them, send 200 Soldiers to Ierusalem, to be paid by him for a twelve-month, and himself follow in person with as great a Power as he could raise, before three years were expir'd; that he should disanul all things pass'd in his Kingdom in pre∣judice to the Ecclesiastick liberty, and consent, that any of his Subjects whatever, should appeal to Rome, when, and as often, as they thought it convenient: all which Conditions were readily accepted, and that great Prince submitted to a Sentence there is scarce a pri∣vate person but would scorn at this day. But though his Holiness was so formidable to the Princes abroad, he was not so terrible in Rome; the people in that City would not be ••oaksed, nor persuaded to let him live there, though he protested he would meddle no

farther than Ecclesiastical matters; by which it appears, things at a distance are more dreadful, than near at hand. In the mean time Frederick was return'd into Italy, with resolution to make a new War upon the Pope▪ but whilst he was busie about his prepara∣tions, his Barons and Clergy gave him advertisement, that they would all forsake him, unless he reconcil'd himself to the Church; so that changing his design, he was forc'd to go and make his submission at Venice; and pacification being made, the Pope in the Agree∣ment devested the Emperor of all the Authority he pretended over Rome, and named William King of Sicily and Puglia, his Confederate. Frederick being an active Prince, and unable to lie still, embarqu'd himself in the Enterprize into Asia, to spend his Ambition against the Turk, which he could not do so effectually against the Pope. But being got as far as the River Cidvo, allur'd by the clearness and excellence of the Waters, he would needs wash himself in it, and that washing gave him his death. Those Waters being more beneficial to the Turks, than all Excommunications to the Christians; for whereas these only cool'd and asswag'd his Ambition, they wash'd it away, and extinguish'd it quite.

Frederick being dead, nothing remain'd now to be suppres'd, but the contumacy of the Romans. After much argument and dispute about their Creation of Consuls, it was con∣cluded, the Romans, according to ancient Custom, should have liberty to choose them; but they should not execute their Office, till they had sworn fealty to the Church. Upon this accord Iohn the Anti-Pope fled to Monte Albano, and died presently after. In the mean time, William King of Naples died also; and having left no Sons but Tanacred a Bastard, the Pope design'd to have possess'd himself of his Kingdom, but by the opposition of the Barons,* 1.47 Tanacred was made King. Afterwards Celestin III. coming to the Papacy, and being desirous to wrest that Kingdom from Tanacred, he contriv'd to make Enrico (Fre∣dericks Son) King, promising him the Kingdom of Naples, upon Condition he would restore such Lands as belong'd to the Church, and to facilitate the business, he took Costanza (an ancient Maid, daughter to King William) out of a Monastery, and gave her him for his Wife; by which means the Kingdom of Naples pass'd from the Normans (who had found∣ed it) and fell under the dominion of the Germans. Henricus the Emperor having first setled his affairs in Germany, came into Italy with his Wife Costanza, and one of his Sons call'd Frederick, about four years of age, and without much difficulty possess'd himself of that Kingdom, Tanacred being dead, and only one Child remaining of his Issue, call'd Roger Not long after Enricus died in Sicily, he was succeeded in that Kingdom by Frederick; and Otto Duke of Saxony, chosen Emperour by the assistance of Pope Innocent III. But no sooner had he got the Crown upon his Head, but contrary to the opinion of all men, he became Enemy to the Pope; seiz'd upon Romania, and gave out Orders for the assault∣ing that Kingdom; Upon which being Excommunicated by the Pope, and deserted by his Friends, Frederick King of Naples was chosen Emperour in his place. The said Frederick coming to Rome to be Crown'd, the Pope scrupl'd it, being jealous of his power, and en∣deavoured to persuade him out of Italy, as he had done Otto before; which Frederick dis∣daining, retir'd into Germany, and making War upon Otto, overcame him at last. In the mean time Innocent died, who besides other magnificent Works, built the Hospital di Santo Spirito at Rome. Honorius III. succeeded him, in whose Papacy were instituted the Orders of S. Dominick and S. Francis,* 1.48 in the year MCCXVIII. Honorius Crown'd Frederick to whom Iohn,* 1.49 descended from Baldwin King of Ierusalem (who commanded the remainder of the Christians in Asia, and retain'd that Title) gave one of his Daughters in marriage, and the Title of that Kingdom in Dower with her; and from that time, whoever is King of Naples, has that Title annex'd. In Italy at that time they liv'd in this manner: The Romans had no more the Creation of Consuls,* 1.50 but in lieu of it they invested sometimes one, sometimes more of their Senators with the same power. The League continued all the while, into which the Cities of Lombardy had entred against Frederick Barbarossa; and the Cities were these; Milan, Brescia, Mantua, with the greater part of the Cities in Ro∣magna, besides Verona, Vicenza, Padua, and Trevigi. The Cities on the Emperours side were Cremona, Bergamo, Parma, Reggio, Modena, and Trenta: The rest of the Cities of Lombardy, Romagna, and the Marquisate of Trevizan, took part according to their interest, sometimes with this, sometimes with the other party. In the time of Otto III, one Ezelino came into Italy, of whose Loyns there remaining a Son, call'd also Ezelino, being powerful and rich, he joyn'd himself with Frederick II, who (as was said before) was become an Ene∣my to the Pope. By the incouragement and assistance of this Ezelino, Frederick came into Italy; took Verona and Mantua, demolish'd Vicenza, seiz'd upon Padoua, defeated the united Forces of those parts, and when he had done, advanc'd towards Toscany, whilst in the mean time Ezelino made himself Master of the Marquisate of Trevizan, Ferrara they

could not take, being defended by Azone da Esti, and some Regiments of the Popes in Lom∣bardy.* 1.51 Whereupon when the Siege was drawn off, his Holiness gave that City in Fee to Azone da Esti, from whom those who are Lords of it at this day are descended. Frederick stop'd, and fix'd himself at Pisa, being desirous to make himself Master of Tuscany, and by the distinctions he made betwixt his Friends and his Foes in that Province, rais'd such am∣mosites,* 1.52 as proved afterwards the destruction of all Italy: For both Guelfs and Gibilins in∣creas'd every day, the first siding with the Church, the other with the Emperour, and were call'd first by those Names, in the City of Pistoia. Frederick being at length remov'd from Pisa, made great devastations, and several inroads into the Territories of the Church; in so much that the Pope having no other remedy, proclaim'd the Croifada against him, as his Predecessors had done against the Saracens. Frederick (left he should be left in the lurch by his own people as Frederick Barbarossa, and others of his Ancestors had been before,) entertain'd into his Pay great numbers of the Saracens, and to oblige them to him, and strengthen his opposition to the Pope, by a party that should not be afraid of his Curs••s, he gave them Nocera in that Kingdom, to the end that having a R••treat in their own hands,* 1.53 they might serve him with more confidence and security. At this time Innocent IV. was Pope, who being apprehensive of Frederick, remov'd to Genoa, and thence into France, where he call'd a Counsel at Lyons, and Frederick design'd to have been there, had he not been retain'd by the Rebellion of Parma. Having had ill Fortune in the suppressing of that, he march'd away into Tuscany, and from thence into Sicily, where he died not long after, leaving his Son Currado in S••evia, and in Puglia, his natural Son Manfredi, whom he had made Duke of Benevento. Currado went to take possession of the Kingdom, died at Naples, and left only one l••••tle Son behind him in Germany, who was call'd Cur∣rado, by his own Name. By which means, Manfred first as Tutor to Currado, got into the Government, and afterwards giving out that his Pupil was dead, he made himself King, and forc'd the Pope and Neapolitans (who oppos'd it) to consent. Whilst Affairs in that Kingdom were in that posture, many Commotions happen'd in Lombardy, betwixt the Guelfs and the Gibilins. The Guelfs were headed by a Legate from the Pope, the Gibilins by Ezelino, who at that time had in his possession all that part of Lombardy on this side the Poe. And because while he was entertain'd in this War, the City of Padoua rebell'd, he caus'd 12000 of them to be slain, and not long after, before the War was ended, died him∣self in the thirtieth year of his age. Upon his death, all those Countreys which had been in his hands, became free. Manfredi King of Naples continued his malevolence to the Church, as his Ancestors had done before him, holding Pope Urban IV. in perpetual an∣xiety, so that at length he was constrain'd to convoke the Crociata against him, and to retire into Perugi••, till he could get his Forces together: but finding them come in slowly and thin, conceiving that to the overcoming of Manfred, greater supplies would be necessary, he address'd himself to the King of France, making his Brother Charles Duke of Angio, King of Sicily and Naples, and excited him to come into Italy, and take possession of those Kingdoms.* 1.54 Before Charles could get to Rome, the Pope died, and Clement V. succeeded in his place. In the said Clements time, Charles with 30 Galleys arriv'd at Ostia, having Ordered the rest of his Forces to meet him by Land. During his residence at Rome, as a Complement to him, the Romans made him a Senator, and the Pope invested him in that Kingdom, with condition that he should pay 50 thousand Florins yearly to the Church; and published a Decree, that for the future, neither Charles, nor any that should succeed him in that Kingdom, should be capable of being Emperours. After which Charles advancing against Manfred, fought with him, beat him, and kill'd him near Ben••vento, thereby making himself King of Sicily, and that Kingdom. Corradino (to whom that State devolv'd by his Fathers Testament) gathering what Forces together he could in Germany, march'd into Italy against Charles, and ingaging him at Tagliacozza, was presently defeated, and (being afterwards discover'd in his flight) taken and slain. Italy continued quiet, till the Papacy of Adrian V. who not enduring that Charles should continue in Rome, and govern all (〈◊〉〈◊〉 he did) by vertue of his Senatorship, he remov'd to Vit••rbo,* 1.55 and solicited Ridolfus the Emperour to come into Italy against him. In this manner, the Popes sometimes for de∣fence of Religion, sometimes out of their own private ambition, call'd in new Men, and by consequence new Wars into Italy. And no sooner had they advanc'd any of them, but they repented of what they had done, and sought immediately to remove him, nor would they suffer any Province, (which by reason of their weakness they were unable themselves to subdue) to be injoy'd quietly by any body else. The Princes were all afraid of them, for whether by fighting, or flying, they commonly overcame, unless circumvented by some Stra∣tagem, as Boniface VIII. and some others were by the Emperours, under pretence of Friend∣ship and Amity. Ridolfus being retain'd by his War with the King of Bohemia, was not

at leisure to visit Italy before Adrian was dead.* 1.56 He which succeeded him was Nicolas the III. of the House of Ursin, a daring, ambitious man; who resolving to take down the Authority of Charles, contriv'd that Ridolfus the Emperour, should complain of Charles his Governour in Tuscany, of his siding with the Guelfs, who after the death of Manfred, had been receiv'd and protected in that Province. To comply with the Emperour, Charles call'd away his Governour, and the Pope sent his Cardinal Nephew to take possession of it for the Emperour; to recompense that Kindness, the Emperour restor'd Romania to the Church, which had been usurp'd by his Predecessors, and the Pope made Bartaldo Orsino Duke of Romagnia: growing more powerfull by degrees, and believing himself strong enough to look Charles in the face, he began to expostulate, turn'd him out of his Senatorship, and publish'd a Decree, that no person for the future of Royal Extraction should ever be Senator in Rome. Not contented with this, he carri'd his Designs farther, and was in the mind to have droven Charles out of Sicily; to which end, he held secret in∣telligence with the King of Arragon, who effected it alterwards in the time of his Succes∣sor. He design'd likewise to have made two Kings out of his Family, one of Lombardy, the other of Tuscany, by whose power and assistance the Church might be defended from the incursions of the Germans abroad, and the oppression of the French at home. But he dying before any thing could be done, was the first Pope that gave so manifest demonstra∣tion of Ambition, or that, under pretence of advancing the Church, design'd only to exalt and magnifie his own Family;* 1.57 and though from this time backward no mention is to be found of Nephew, or any other of his Holiness Kindred, yet forward all History is full of them; and as formerly the Popes have endeavour'd to leave them Princes, they would leave them Popes now adays if they could, and make the Papacy hereditary.

But the Principalities they erected, have been hitherto short-liv'd; for the Popes seldom living long, the first gust of wind shakes them, for want of their Authority and Courage to sustain them.* 1.58 This Pope being dead▪ Martin X. succeeded, who being born a French-man, was a friend to the French, and Charles (in the Rebellion of Romania) sent an Army to his Assistance, who having besieg'd Furli, Guido Bonatti an Astrologer being in the Town, appointed the Garrison a certain time to sally upon them; and following his direction, they did it with such success, that the whole French Army was either taken or kill'd. About this time, the practices betwixt Pope Nicholas and Peter King of Arragon, were put in exe∣cution; the Sicilians by that means kill'd all the French they found in that Island; and Peter made himself Lord of it, upon pretence it belonged to Constansa, Manfreds Daughter, whom he had married; but Charles in his preparation for its recovery, died; left Charles II. his Son, at that time a Prisoner in Sicily, who for his enlargement, promis'd to surrender himself again, if in three years time he prevail'd not with the Pope to invest the House of Arragon with the Kingdom of Sicily. Ridolfus the Emperour, in stead of coming into Italy himself, to recover the reputation of the Empire, sent an Embassadour thither with full power to enfranchize such Cities as would buy out their Freedom: Upon which, many Cities redeem'd themselves, and chang'd their Laws, with their Liberty. Adulfus Duke of Saxony, succeeded in the Empire, and in the Popedom, Piero del Murone, by the Name of Pope Celestine;* 1.59 but having been a Hermit, and exceedingly devout, in six months time he renounced, and Boniface VIII. was chosen in his room. The Heavens (foreseeing the time would come Italy should be deliver'd both from the Germans and French, and remain intirely in the hands of its Natives; that the Pope though freed from forreign impedi∣diments, might not be able to usurp, and establish himself in the Power which he exercised then) rais'd up two great Families in Rome, the Colonni, and the Ursini, that by their Au∣thority and Allyance they might be able to circumscribe his Holiness, and keep him within his bounds. Pope Boniface was sensible of them, and apply'd himself very zealously to have extirpated the Colonni, excommunicating them first, and then proclaiming the Crociata against them; which, though it might be some prejudice to them, was more to the Church: For those Swords which had been drawn in vindication of the Gospel, and done honourable things; when for private ambition they were unsheath'd against Chri∣stians, they lost their first sharpness, and would not cut at all; and so it came to pass, their immoderate desire of satiating their Appetite, by degrees lessened the Popes power, and disarm'd them.

Two of that House which were Cardinals, he degraded; Sciarra (the chief of them) escaping in disguise, being discover'd, was taken by the Spanish Privateers, and clap'd to an Oar; but being known at Marsellis, he was rescu'd, and sent away to the King of France, who by Boniface was Excommunicated thereupon, and depriv'd of his Kingdom. Philip King of France, considering very well that in all open Wars with the Popes, he had either run some eminent danger▪ or come home by the loss; began to look about for some Artifice,

and at length, pretending great readiness to comply, and counterfeiting a Treaty, he sent Sciarra privately into Italy, who being arriv'd at Anagnia (where at that time the Pope had his Residence) gathering his Friends together in the night, he seiz'd upon his Holiness, who (tho inlarg'd afterwards by the people of the Town) died shortly in a Dilirium with meer sense and indigation. This Boniface was the first Pope which ordain'd Jubilees in the year M.CCC.* 1.60 and decreed they should be celebrated every hundred years. These times pro∣duc'd many troubles betwixt the Guelfs and the Gibilin's, and Italy being forsaken by the Emperours, many Towns recover'd their liberties, and many were usurp'd. Pope Bene∣dict restor'd their Caps to the Cardinals of the House of Colonni, absolv'd King Philip, and gave him his Blessing.* 1.61 Benedict was succeeded by Clement V. who being a French-man re∣mov'd his Court into France, Anno MCCCVI. During these Transactions Charles II. King of Naples died, and left the Succession to Robert his Son. The Empire was in the mean time fallen to Arrigo of Luxemburg, who came to Rome to be Crown'd, though the Pope was not there; upon whose arrival many commotions followed in Lombardy, and all banished persons, whether Guelfs or Gibilins, being restor'd to their former Habitations, con∣spiring to supplant one another, they fill'd the whole Province with the Calamities of War, notwithstanding the Emperour imploy'd his utmost power to prevent it. Arrigo removing out of Lombardy by the way of Genova, return'd to Pisa, with design to have driven King R••b••rt out of Tascany, but not succeeding in that, he march'd to Rome, but continued there a few dayes only, for the Ursini by the help of King Robert forc'd him to remove, and he march'd back again to Pisa, where, for his more secure Warring upon Tuscany, and sup∣planting that King, he caus'd it to be assaulted on the other side by Frederick King of Sicily. But in the height of his Designs, when he thought himself sure both of Tuscany and its King,* 1.62 he died, and the succession went to Lodovick of Bavaria. About this time Iohn XXII. was created Pope, in whose Papacy, the Emperour ceased not to persecute the Guelfs, and the Church, but King Robert and the Florentines interposing in their defence, great Wars ensued in Lombardy, under the Conduct of the Visconti against the Guelfs, and against the Flor••ntines in Tuscany,* 1.63 by Castruccio di Lucca. And because the Family of the Visconti were the Original of the Dukedom of Milan, one of the five Principalities that govern'd all Italy afterwards, I think it not amiss to deduce it a little higher. After the League amaong the Cities in Lombardy (which I have mentioned before) for their mutual defence against Fre∣derick Barbarossa Milan being rescued from the ruine that impended; to revenge it self of the injuries it had receiv'd, enter'd into that Confederacy, which put a stop to the Emperours career, and preserv'd the Churches interest in Lombardy for a while. In the process of those Wars, the Family of the Torri grew very powerful, increasing daily more and more, while the Emperour's Authority was small in those parts. But Frederick II. arriving in Italy, and the Ghibilin Faction (by the assistance of Ezelino) prevailing, it began to dilate and spread it self in all the Cities, and particularly in Milan; the Family of the Visconti ••iding with that par∣ty, drove the Family of the Torri out of that Town: But long they were not banish'd, for by an accord made betwixt the Emperour and Pope, they were restor'd. Afterwards when the Pope remov'd with his Court into France, and Arrigo of Luxemburg came to Rome to be Crown'd, he was receiv'd into Milan by Maffeo Visconti, the Head of that House, and Guido della Torre, the Chief of the other. Yet how kindly soever they carry'd it outwardly, Masseo had a secret design, by the Emperour's being there, to drive out the Torri, believing the Enterprize the more practicable, because Guido was of the Enemies Faction. He took the advantage of the peoples complaints against the behaviour of the Germans, incouraging them slily to take Arms, and rescue themselves from their barbarous servitude. Having dispos'd things as he desired, he caused a tumult to be raised by one of his Confidents, upon which the whole Town was to be in Arms, and pretendedly against the Germans. The Tumult was no sooner begun, but Maffeo, his Sons, Servants, and Partizans were imme∣diately in Arms, and ran to Arrigo, assuring him that Tumult was raised by the Torri, who not content with their private Condition, took that occasion to ruine him as an Enemy to the Guelfs, and make themselves Princes of that City. But he desired him to be secure, for they and their party would not fail to defend him, when ever he requir'd it. Arrigo believed all to be true that Maffeo had told him, joyned his Forces with the Visconti, fell upon the Torri (who were dispersed up and down the City to suppress the Tumult) killed those of them which they met, banished the rest, and seized their Estates: So that Maffeo Visconti made himself Prince. After him, there succeeded Galeazo, and Aza, and after them Luchino and Iohn, who was afterwards Arch-Bishop of that City: Luchino died before him, and left two Sons, Barnardo and Galeazo; Galeazo dying not long after, left one Son, called Giovan Galeazo,* 1.64 Conti di Vertu, who after the death of the Arch-Bishop, killed his Unkle Barnardo, made himself Prince, and was the first that took upon him the Title of Duke of Milan. He

left two Sons only, Philip, and Giovan Maria Angelo, who being slain by the people of Milan,* 1.65 the Government remain'd wholly to Philip. He dying without issue Male, the Dukedom was translated from the House of the Visconti, to the Sforza's; but of the manner and occasions of that, hereafter. To return therefore, where I left.

Lewis the Emperour, to give reputation to his party, and to be formally Crown'd, came into Italy, and being at Milan, to drain the City of its Money, he pretended to set them at Li∣berty, and clap'd the Visconti in Prison. Afterwards, by the Mediation of Castruccio da Luca, he releas'd them, march'd to Rome, and (that he might more easily disturb the tran∣quillity of Italy) he made Piero della Carvaro, Anti-Pope: by whose reputation, and the interest of the Visconti, he presum'd he should be able to keep under both the Tuscans, and Lom∣bards. But Castruccio died in the nick, and his death was the Emperours ruine, for Pisa and Lucca rebelled out of hand. The Pisans took the Anti-pope, and sent him Prisoner to the Pope into France, so that the Emperour despairing of his Affairs in Italy, he left them all as they were, and retired into Germany. He was scarce gone, before Iohn King of Bohemia came into Italy with an Army (being invited by the Ghibilins in Brescia) and possest himself both of that City and Bergamo. The Pope (however he dissembled it) was not averse to his coming, and therefore his Legat at Bologna favoured him privately, looking upon him as a good Antidote against the Emperours return. These under-hand practices chang'd the Condition of Italy; for the Florentines and King Robert, perceiving the Legat a favourer of the Ghibilin Faction, turn'd Enemies to all people that profess'd themselves their Friends. In so much as without respect to either Ghibilins or Guelfs, many Princes associated with them; among the rest were the Families of the Visconti & Scala, Philippo di Gonsaga of the House of Mantua, the Families of Carara and Este, whereupon the Pope Excommunicated them all. The King apprehensive of their League, return'd home to reinforce himself, and coming back with more Force into Italy, found his Enter∣prize very difficult notwithstanding; so that growing weary of the business (though much to the dissatisfaction of the Legat) he return'd into Bohemia, leaving Garrisons only in Mo∣dena and Reggio, recommending Parma to the Care of Marsilio, and Piero de Rossi, who were eminent men in that City. As soon as he was departed, Bologna enter'd into the Confe∣deracy, and the Colleagues divided the four Towns that were remaining to the Church among themselves, Parma to the Scali, Reggio to the Gonzagi, Modena to the Esti, and Luca to the Florentines. But many differences follow'd upon that division, which for the greatest part were compos'd afterwards by the Venetians. And now I speak of the Vene∣tians, it may appear indecorous to some people, that among all the occurrences and revolu∣tions in Italy, I have deferr'd speaking of them, notwithstanding their Government and Power places them above any other Republick or Principality in that Countrey.

That that Exception may be remov'd, and the occasion appear, it will be necessary to look back for some time, to make their Original conspicuous, and the reasons for which they reserv'd themselves so long from interposing in the Affairs of Italy.* 1.66 Attila King of the Hunni having besieg'd Aquilegia, the Inhabitants after a generous defence, being reduc'd to distress, and despairing of Relief, conveighing their Goods, as well as they could, to certain Rocks in that point of the Adriatick Sea which were not inhabited, they escap'd after them themselves. The Padouans seeing the fire so near them, concluding when Aquilegia was taken, his next visit would be to them, sent away their Goods, Wives, Children, and unserviceable people to a place in the same Sea, call'd Rivo Alto, leaving the young men, and such as were able to bear Arms, for the defence of the Town. The Inha∣bitants of Montfelice, and the Hills about it, fearing the same destiny, remov'd to the same Islands Aquilegia being taken, and Padoua, Montfelice, Vicenza, and Verona overcome and sack'd by A••tila's Army; those which remain'd of the Padouans, and the most consi∣derable of the rest, setled their Habitations in certain Fenns and Marshes about the afore∣said Rivo Alto: and all the people about that Province, which was anciently call'd Venetia, being driven out of their Countrey by the same Calamities, joyn'd themselves with them; changing (by necessity) their pleasant and plentiful Habitations, for rude and barren places, void of all Commodity and Convenience. But their number being great, and their Quarter but small, in a short time they made it not only habitable, but delightful; framing such Laws and Orders to themselves, as secur'd them against miseries of their Neighbours, and in a short time made them considerable, both for reputation and force. So that besid•••• their first inhabitants, many people resorting to them from the Cities of Lombardy, upon occasion of the Cruelty of Clefi King of the Lombards, they multiply'd so fast, that when Pepin King of France at the solicitation of the Pope, undertooke to drive the Lombards out of Italy, in the Treaties betwixt him and the Emperour of Greece, it was agreed that the Duke of Benevento and the Venetians, should be subject neither to the one nor the other,

but injoy their Liberty to themselves. Moreover, Necessity having determin'd their Habita∣tions among the Waters, having no Land to supply them, it forc'd them to look about which way they might live, and applying to Navigation, they began to trade about the World, and not only furnish'd themselves with necessary Provisions, but by degrees brought thither such variety of Merchandize, that other people which had need of them came to them to be supply'd. At first, having no thoughts of Dominion, they were wholly intent upon what might facilitate their Trade, and in order thereunto, they acquir'd se∣veral Ports,* 1.67 both in Greece and Syria, and in their passage into Asia the French making use of their Ships, they gave them (by way of Recompence) the Island of Candia. While they lived at this rate, their Name was grown formidable at Sea, and so venerable at Land, that in most Controversies betwixt their Neighbours they were the only Arbitrators: as it hap∣pen'd in the difference betwixt the Confederates upon the division of the Towns, where the cause being referred to them, they awarded Bergamo and Brescia to the Visconti. But having afterwards in process of time conquer'd Padoua, Vicenza, Trivegi, and after them Verona, Bergamo and Brescia, besides several Towns in Romagna and else where, their power began to be so considerable, that not only the Princes of Italy, but the greatest and most re∣mote Kings were afraid to provoke them. Whereupon, entring into a Conspiracy against them, the Venetians lost all in one day, that in so many Years, and with so vast Expence they had been gaining; and though in our times they may have recover'd it in part, yet not having regain'd their Reputation and Power, they live at the mercy of other people (as indeed all the Princes of Italy do.)* 1.68 Benedict XII. being Pope, looking upon Italy as lost, and fear∣ing that Lodovic the Emperour should make himself Master of it, he resolv'd to enter into strict Amity with all those who held any Lands that belong'd formerly to the Empire, pre∣suming their fear to be dispossess'd, would make them faithful in the defence of Italy, and zealous to keep him out: accordingly he publish'd a Decree to confirm all the usurp'd Titles in Lombardy, and to continue their Possession. But that Pope died before his Promise could be made good,* 1.69 and Clement VI. succeeded him. The Emperour observing with what lib••rality the Pope had dispos'd of the Lands belonging to the Empire, that he might not be behind him in so generous a point, he gave all Lands that had been usurp'd from the Church, to such persons as had usurp'd them, to hold them of the Empire, as the other of the Pope. By which Donation Galeotto Maletesti and his Brothers became Lords of Rimini, Pesaro, and Fano, Antonio da Montefeltro of la Marca and Urbin, Gentil da Varano of Camerino, Giovanni Manfredi of Faenza, Guido di Polenta of Ravenna, Sinebaldo Or delaffi of Furli and Cesena, Lodovico Aledosi of Imola, besides many others in other places: so that of all the Lands which belong'd to the Church, there was scarce any left without an interloper; by which means, till the time of Alexander VI. the Church was very weak, but he recover'd its Authority in our days, with the destruction of most of their Posterity. At the time of this Concession, the Emperour was at Taranto, where he gave out, his Design was for Italy, which was the occasion of great Wars in Lombardy, in which the Visconti made them∣selves Lords of Parma. About this time, Robert King of Naples died, and left two Grand Children by his Son Charles, (who died not long before) leaving his eldest Daughter Gio∣vanna Heir to the Crown, with injunction to marry Andr••a, Son to the King of Hungary, who was his Nephew. But they liv'd not long together, before Andrea was poison'd by her, and she married again to Lodovic Prince of Taranto, her near Kins-man. But Lewis King of Hungary, Brother to Andrea, to revenge his death, came into Italy with an Army, and drave Giovanna and her Husband out of the Kingdom. About these times there happen'd a very memorable passage in Rome; One Nicholas di Lorenzo Chancellor in the Capitol, having forc'd the Senate out of Rome, under the Title of Tribune made himself head of that Common-wealth, reducing it into its ancient form, with so much Justice and Virtue, that not only the neighbouring Provinces, but all Italy sent Embassadours to him. The ancient Provinces seeing that City so strangely reviv'd, began to lift up their Heads, and pay it a respect, some out of fear, and some out of hopes. But Nicholas, notwithstand∣ing the greatness of his Reputation, not able to comport with so great an Authority, desert∣ed it himself; for being overburthen'd with the weight of it, he left it in the very beginning, and without any constraint, stole privately away to the King of Bohemia, who, by the Popes Order, in affront to Lewis of Bavaria, was made Emperour, and to gratifie his Patron, he secur'd Nicholas, and Clapt him in prison. Not long after, as it had been in imitation of Nicholas, one Francesco Baroncegli possest himself of the Tribuneship, and turn'd the Sena∣tors out of Rome: so that the Pope, as the readiest way to suppress him, was glad to dis∣charge Nicholas of his imprisonment, and sent him to Rome, to resume his old Office; whereupon, Nicholas undertook the Government once more, and caus'd Francesco to be executed. But the Colonnesi becoming his Enemies by degrees, he himself was put to death

by them, and the Senate restor'd to the Exercise of its former Authority. In the mean time of the King of Hungary, having depos'd Queen Giovanna, return'd to his own Kingdom: But the Pope desir'd to have the Queen his Neighbour, rather than that King, and order'd things so, that the Kingdom was restor'd, upon Condition her Husband Lewis renouncing the Title of King should content himself with that of Taranto.* 1.70 The Year MCCCL. be∣ing come, his Holiness thought fit that the Jubilee appointed by Pope Boniface VIII. to be kept every hundred years, should be reduc'd to fifty, and, having pass'd a Decree to that purpose, in gratitude for so great a Benefit, the Romans were contented he should send four Cardinals to Rome, to reform their City, and create what Senators he pleas'd. After which the Pope declar'd Lodovic of Taranto King of Naples again, and Giovanna, highly oblig'd by that favour,* 1.71 gave the Church Avignon, which was part of her Patrimony. By this time Luchïno Visconti being dead, Iohn Arch-Bishop of Milan remain'd sole Lord, and, making several Wars upon Tuscany and his Neighbours, became very considerable. After his death, the Government fell to his two Nephews, Bernardo and Galeazzo, but Ga∣leazzo dying a while after, he left his Son Iohn Galeazzo to share with his Unkle in the State. In these dayes,* 1.72 Charles King of Bohemia was created Emperour, and Innocent VI. Pope, who having sent Cardinal Giles (a Spaniard) into Italy, by his Virtue, and the excellence of his Conduct, he recover'd the reputation of the Church, not only in Rome and Romagna, but all Italy over. He recover'd Bologna, that had been usurp'd by the Arch-Bishop of Milan. He constrain'd the Romans to admit a forreign Senator every year of the Popes no∣mination. He made an honourable Agreement with the Visconti. He fought and took Prisoner Iohn Aguto an English-man, who with four thousand English was entertain'd in Tuscany,* 1.73 upon the Ghibilin accompt. After these Successes, Urban V. being Pope, he re∣solv'd to visit both Italy and Rome, where Charles the Emperour came to meet him, and having continued together several Months,* 1.74 Charles return'd into his Kingdom, and the Pope to Avignon. Urban died, and Gregory XII. suceeded, and because Cardinal Egidio was dead, Italy relaps'd into its former distractions, occasion'd by the Caballing of the people against the Visconti.* 1.75 Whereupon the Pope at first sent a Legat into Italy with six thousand Britans, after whom he follow'd in Person, and re-establish'd his Residence at Rome, in the year MCCCLXXVI. after it had been kept in France, LXXI. years.

After the death of this Pope, Urban VI. was created. Not long after at Fondi, ten Car∣dinals quarrelling with his Election,* 1.76 and pretending it was not fair, created Clement VII. The Genoveses in the mean time (who for several years had lived quietly under the Govern∣ment of the Visconti) rebell'd. Betwixt them and the Venetian, there happen'd great Wars about the Island of Tenedos;* 1.77 in which War by Degrees all Italy became concern'd, and there it was that great Guns were first us'd, they being a German Invention. Though for a while the Genoveses were predominant, and held Venice blockt up for several Months toge∣ther; yet in the conclusion, the Venetian had the better, and made an advantagious Peace, by the assistance of the Pope. In the year 1381 (as we have said before) there was a Schism in the Church, and Giovanna the Queen favour'd the Anti-Pope. Whereupon, Pope Urban practis'd against her, and sent Carlo Durazzo (who was of the Royal House of Naples) with an Army into her Kingdom, who possest himself of her Countrey, and drove her away into France. The King of France undertaking her quarrel, sent Lodovic d' Angio to repossess the Queen, and force Urban out of Rome, and set up the Anti-Pope. But Lodovic dying in the middle of the Enterprize, his Army broke up, and return'd into France. Urban thereupon goes over to Naples, and claps nine Cardinals in Prison, for having sided with France and the Anti-Pope. After that, he took it ill of the King, that he refus'd to make one of his Nephews Prince of Capua, but concealing his disgust, he desir'd Nocera of him for his Habitation, which as soon as he was possess'd of, he fortified, and began to cast about which way to deprive him of his Kingdom. The King taking the Alarm, advanc'd against Nocera and besieg'd it, but the Pope escap'd to Genoua, where he put the Cardinals which were his Prisoners to death. From thence he went to Rome, and created 28 new Cardinals. In the mean time Charles King of Naples went into Hungary, was proclaim'd King there, and not long after kill'd. He left the Kingdom of Naples to his Wife, and two Children he had by her, one call'd Ladislao, and the other Giovanna.

Iohn Galeazzo Visconti in the mean time had kill'd his Unkle Bernardo, and possess'd him∣self of Milan, and not content to have made himself Duke of Milan, he attempted upon Tuscany; but when he was in a fair way to have conquer'd it, and to have made himself King of all Italy,* 1.78 he died. Urban VI. died also, and was succeeded by Boniface IX. Cl••∣ment VII. the Anti-Pope died likewise at Avignon, and Benedict XIII. was created in his room. Italy all this while was full of Soldiers of Fortune, English, Dutch, and Britans, some of them Commanded by Princes, which upon several occasions had been invited

thither, and some of them which had been sent by the Popes, when their residence was at Avignon. With this medly of Nations the Princes of Italy maintain'd their Wars many times, till at length Lodovico da Conio Romagnuolo having train'd up a Party of Italians, call'd the Soldiers of Saint George, by his Valour and Discipline lessen'd the Reputation of the Forreigners, and made them afterwards more useful and considerable in the Italian Wars. The Pope upon certain differences which arose betwixt him and the Romans, remov'd to Scesi, where he remain'd till the Jubilee in the year 1400. at which time, to invite him back again for the ben••fit of their City, the Romans condescended that he should have the annual nomination of a forreign Senator, and be permitted to fortifie the Castle of St. Angelo; upon which Conditions being return'd, to inrich the Church, he ordain'd, That in every Vacancy, each Benefice should pay an Annat into the Chamber Ecclesiastical. After the death of Iohn Galeazzo Duke of Milan, though he left two Sons Giovan-Mari-Angelo, and Philip, the State was divided into many Factions. In the troubles which followed, Giovan-Mari-Angelo was slain, and Philip for some time kept Prisoner in the Castle of Pavia; but by the Valour and Allegiance of the Governour, he escap'd. Among the rest who had seiz'd the Cities which belong'd formerly to Iohn Galeazzo, William della Scala was one, who having been banish'd, and retiring to Francesco de Carrara Lord of Padua, by his means he recover'd the State of Verona, but he enjoy'd it a short time; for Francesco caus'd him to be poison'd, and assum'd the Government himself. The Vicentini hereupon (having till then liv'd quietly under the protection of the Visconti) growing jealous of the greatness of the Lord of Padua, submitted themselves to the Venetians, who at their insti∣gation made War upon him, and beat him first out of Verona, and at length out of Padua. By this time Pope Boniface died, and Innocent VII.* 1.79 was elected in his place. The people of Rome made a solemn Address to him for the Restitution of their Liberty and Forts, and be∣ing deny'd, they call'd in Ladislans King of Naples to their Assistance; but their differences being afterwards compos'd, the Pope return'd to Rome, from whence for fear of the people he fled to Viterbo, where he had made his Nephew Lodovic, Conte della Marca; after which he died, and Gregory XII. succeeded, upon Condition he should resign when ever the Anti-Pope should be persuaded to do the same. At the intercession of the Cardinals, to try whether it was possible to accommodate their differences, and reunite the Church, Benedict the Anti-Pope came to Porto Veneri, and Gregory to Lucca, where many Expedients were propos'd, but nothing concluded; whereupon the Cardinals forsook them both, of one side and the other, Benedict retired into Spain, and Gregory to Rimini. The Cardinals by the favour of Baldassare Cossa, Cardinal and Legat of Bologna call'd a Counsel at Pisa, in which they created Alexander V. who immediately excommunicated King Ladislaus, in∣vested Luigid' Augio with his Kingdom, and by the assistance of the Florentines, Genoueses, Venetians and Baldassare Cossa the Legat, they assaulted Ladislaus, and drove him out of Rome.* 1.80 But in the heat of the War, Alexander died, and Baldassare Cossa was created Pope, with the name of Iohn XXIII. Iohn was created at Bologna, but remov'd to Rome, where he found Luigi d' Angio with the Forces of Provence; having joyn'd himself with him, they march'd out against King Ladislaus, fought with him, and routed his Army; but for want of good Conduct, not persuing their Victory, King Ladislaus rally'd, recover'd Rome, and forc'd the Pope away to Bologna, and Luigi to Provence. The Pope casting about with himself which way he might restrain and lessen the power of King Ladislaus, caus'd Sigis∣mund King of Hungary to be chosen Emperour, invited him into Italy, to which purpose they had a Conference at Mantua, where it was concluded, a General Council should be call'd for uniting the Church; upon the accomplishment of which, it was presum'd they should be better able to defend themselves against the incroachments of their Enemies.

At this time,* 1.81 there were three Popes in being at once; Gregory, Benedict, and Iohn, which kept the Church very low, both in force and reputation. The place appointed for their Convention was Constance, a City in Germany, contrary to the intention of Pope Iohn; and though by the death of King Ladislaus, the great Reason was taken away that mov'd the Pope to that proposition, nevertheless, things being gone so far, and he under an obligation, he could not handsomly come off, but was forc'd to go to it. Being ar∣riv'd at Constance, it was not many months before he found his Error, and endeavoured to have escap'd; but being discovered and taken, he was put in Prison, and compell'd to re∣nounce. Gregory, one of the Anti-Popes renounced by Proxy, but Benedict, the other Anti-Pope refus'd, and was condemned for a Heretick; at last finding himself abandon'd by all the Cardinals, he renounc'd likewise, and the Counsel created a new Pope, Viz. Oddo of the House of Colo••ma,* 1.82 who took the name of Martin V. upon which, the Schisms were compos'd, and the Church united, after it had been divided fourty years, and several Popes living at one and the same time. As we said before, Philip Visconti was at this time in the Castle of

Pav••a. But upon the death of Fantino Care (who in the troubles of Lombardy had made himself Lord of Vercelli; Alexandria, Novara; and Tortona, and contracted great wealth) having no Sons, he bequeath'd his Dominions to his Wife Beatrix, injoyning his Friends to use their utmost endeavour to Marry her to Philip; by which Marriage, Philip being much strengthen'd, he recover'd Milan, and all the whole Province of Lombardy: after which, to recompense her great Benefits (according to the example of other Princes) he accus'd his Wife Beatrix of Adultery, and put her to death. Being arriv'd at that height both of Power and Grandeur, he began to contrive against Toscany, and pursue the designs of his Father Iohn Galeazzo. Ladislaus King of Naples at his death, had left to his Sister Giovanna (besides his Kingdom) a formidable Army Commanded by the chief Cap∣tains in Italy, and among the rest, by Sforza da Contignuolo, a person of particular repute for his Valour in those Wars. The Queen (to clear her self of an aspersion of too much intimacy with one Pan••olfello which she advanc'd) took to her Husband Giacopa della Marcia, a Frenchman, of Royal Extraction, but upon condition he should content himself to be call'd Prince of Taran••o, and leave the Title and Government of the Kingdom to her. But the Soldiers as soon as he was arrived in Naples called him King, which occasioned great differences betwixt him and the Queen, sometimes one prevailing, and sometimes the other. But at length the Government rested in the Queen, and she became a severe Enemy to the Pope. Whereupon Sforza to drive her into a necessity, and force her to his own terms, laid down his Commission, and refused to serve her against him; by which means being (as it were) disarmed in a moment,* 1.83 having no other remedy she applyed her self to Alphonso King of Arragon and Sicily, adopted him her Son, and to Command her Army, she enter∣tained Braccio da Montone, as Eminent a Soldier as Sforza, and an Adversary of the Popes, upon accompt of certain Towns (as Perugia and others) which he had usurped from the Church. After this, a Peace was concluded betwixt her and the Pope; but Alphonso suspe∣cting least she should serve him, as she had done her Husband, began privately to contrive how he might possess himself of the Forts: But the Queen was cunning, and prevented him by fortifying her self in the Castle of Naples. Jealousies increasing in this manner, and no-body interposing, they came to an Ingagement, and the Queen by the help of Sforza (who was returned to her Service) overcame Alphonso, drove him out of Naples, abdicated him, and adopted Lodovic d' Angio in his place. Hereupon new Wars ensued betwixt Braccio (who was of Alphonso's party) and Sforza (who was for the Queen,) In the process of the War Sforza passing the River Pescara, was by accident drowned. His death was a great prejudice to the affairs of the Queen, who thereupon would have run great hazard of being droven out of her Kingdom, had not her loss been supplyed by Philip Visconti, Duke of Milan, who forced Alphonso back again into Arragon. But Braccio, not at all discouraged at Alphonso's departure, continued War upon the Queen, and besieged Aquila. The Pope looking upon Braccio's greatness, as a diminution to the Church, entertained Francisco (the Son of Sforza) into his pay, who marching with an Army to the relief of Aquila, ingaged Braccio, routed his Army, and slew him. Of Braccio's party, there remained only Otho his Son, from whom the Pope took Perugia, but left him the Government of Montone. But he also was not long after slain in Romania, in the Florentine assistance; so that of all those who fought under the Discipline of Braccio, Nicholas Piccinino was the man now of greatest reputation. Being come thus near with our Narrative to the times we designed, that which remains being considerable in nothing but the Wars which the Florentines and the Vene∣tians had with Philip Duke of Milan, (of which, our Relation shall be particular when we come to treat of Florence,) we shall forbear to enlarge any farther, and only in short, reduce it to Memory, in what state and posture Italy then stood with its Princes, and Armies. Among the principal States,* 1.84 Queen Giovanna held the Kingdom of Naples, La Marca, the Patrimony, and Romagna. Part of their Towns belonged to the Church, part to their par∣ticular Governours, or others which had Usurped them: as Ferrara, Modena, Reggio, to the Family of the Esti, Faenzi to the Manfredi, Imola to the Alidosi, Furli to the Ordelaffi, Rimini and Pesaro to the Malatesti, and Camerino to the House Varana. Lombardy was di∣vided, part under Duke Philip, and part under the Venetian. All the rest who had had any soveraignty or principality in those parts, being extinct, except only the House of Gonza∣gua, which governed in Mantua at that time. Of Tuscany the greatest part was under the Dominion of the Florentine; Lucca only, and Siena lived free under their own Laws: Lucca under the Guinigi, and Siena of it self. The Genoueses, being free sometimes, sometimes under the Authority of the French, and sometimes of the Visconti; they lived without any great reputation, and were reckoned among the meaner and most inconsiderable states of that Countrey. Their principal Potentates were not themselves in Command, but their Armies managed by their Generals. Duke Philip consined himself to his Chamber, and not being

to be seen, his Wars were manag'd by Commissioners. The Venetians altering their Scene, and making War by Land, they disbarqued that Army which had made them so glorious by Sea; and according to the Custom of their Countrey, gave the Command of it to other people. The Pope, being a Religious person, and Giovanna Queen of Naples a woman, were not so proper to Command in person, and therefore did that by necessity which others did by indiscretion. The Florentines were under the same necessity, for their frequent divisions having exhausted their Nobility, and the Government of the City remaining in the hands of such as were bred up to Merchandize; in their Wars they were forc'd to follow the fortune and direction of strangets: So that the Armies all Italy over, were in the hands of the smaller Princes, or such as had no Soveraignty at all. Those smaller Princes embracing those Commands, not from any impulse or stimulation of Glory, but to live plentifully and safe. The others Education having been small, not knowing what other course to take, they took up Arms, hoping thereby to gain either Honour or Estate. Among these the most eminent were Carmignuola, Francisco Sforza, Nicholo Piccinino, brought up under Braccio, Agnolo della Pergola, Lorenzo, and Micheletto Attenduli, Il Tartaglia, Giaccopaccio, Ceccolino da Perugia, Nicolo da Tolentino, Guido Torello, Antonio dal Ponte ad Hera, and many others. With these may be reckon'd those Princes which I have mention'd before, to which may be added the Barons of Rome, the Orsini, Colonnesi, and other Lords and Gentlemen of the Kingdom of Lombardy, who depending upon the Wars, had setled a kind of a League and Intelligence betwixt themselves, model'd it with that artifice, and temporized so exactly, that most commonly who ever were Enemies, both sides were sure to be losers. By this means, the Art of War became so mean and unserviceable, every little Officer that had but the least spark of Experience could have easily corrected it. Of these lazy Princes, and their despicable Officers shall be the subject of my ensuing discourse; but before I come to it, it will be necessary (according to my promise at first) to deduce Florence from its Original, and give every one a clear prospect what was the State of that City in those times, and by what means it arriv'd at it, thorough the imbroilments of a thousand years, in which Italy was involv'd.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Northern Nations healthful and prolifick.
• * 1.2

  Their method of evacuation up∣on their exces∣sive increase.
• * 1.3

  Their excessive increase, the ruine of the Roman Empire
• * 1.4

  The Western Goths, the first invaders of that Empire.
• * 1.5

  Rome sack'd by them, under the command of Alaricus.
• * 1.6

  Boniface Go∣vernour of Africk for the Emperour.
• * 1.7

  Gallia overrun by the Franks, and from them call'd France.
• * 1.8

  The Hunni Conquer and Denominate Hungaria.
• * 1.9

  Britain call'd Anglia from the Angli.
• * 1.10

  The Hunni in∣vade Italy un∣der Attila.
• * 1.11

  Attila besieges and takes Aquilegia.
• * 1.12

  He advances to Rome, b••t retires at the request of the Pope.
• * 1.13

  The Hunni driven bac•• o∣ver the Danu∣be, return home.
• * 1.14

  The first Re∣sidence of the Roman Em∣perours at Ravenna.
• * 1.15

  New Empe∣rours elected by the Romans, upon the non∣residence of their old.
• * 1.16

  The Lom∣bards invade Italy.
• * 1.17

  Odoacres call'd King of Rome, and the first of the Bar∣barians which thought of fix∣ing in Italy.
• * 1.18

  The Old Empire divid∣ed into Can∣tons.
• * 1.19

  Theodorick invades Italy, slays Odoacres, calls himself King of Rome, and held his re∣sidence at Ra∣venna.
• * 1.20

  Theodorick dics.
• * 1.21

  Bellisarius General for Iu∣stinian the Em∣perour.
• * 1.22

  Totila takes, sacks, and burns Rome.
• * 1.23

  Narsetes a•• new General for Iustinian.
• * 1.24

  Longinus al∣ters the Go∣vernment in Italy.
• * 1.25

  Alboino kill'd by the Conspiracy of his Wife.
• * 1.26

  The Autho∣rity of the Bi∣shops of Rome began to in∣crease.
• * 1.27

  Bishops of Rome imploy'd as Ministers by the Emperours and Kings, and sometimes executed by them.
• * 1.28

  The Eastern Empire de∣stroy'd in the time of Hera∣cleus the Em∣perour.
• * 1.29

  The King of France exempts the Pope from all humane Juris∣diction.
• * 1.30

  Pascal created Pope. The Original of Cardinals.
• * 1.31

  Eugenius the II. Pope.
• * 1.32

  Ospurcus made Pope, changes his Name.
• * 1.33

  The Original of Pisa. The Govern∣ment of Italy, Anno 931.
• * 1.34

  Agabito Pop••.
• * 1.35

  Gregory the 5. Pope, expell'd and restor'd; devests the Ro∣mans of their power of creat∣ing Emperours and consers it upon six Prin∣ces of Germany.
• * 1.36

  Clement 2d. Pope
• * 1.37

  Nicolas ••d Pope, excludes the Romans▪ & reduces the Pa∣pal Elections to the suffrage of Cardinals only.
• * 1.38

  Schism, and Anti-Popes in the Church.
• * 1.39

  The difference betwixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Pope, the ground of the Guel••s, and 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.40

  The Original of the King∣dom of Sicily.
• * 1.41

  Urban 2d. Pope.
• * 1.42

  The first Croisade.
• * 1.43

  Pascal ••d▪
• * 1.44

  Alexander 3d.
• * 1.45

  A new Anti-Pope.
• * 1.46

  The Pope's penance to King Henry of England, upon the complaints about Thomas Bec••et.
• * 1.47

  Celestin 3d. Pope.
• * 1.48

  Honorius 3d. Pope.
• * 1.49

  The Orders of S. Dominick, and S. Francis, instituted 1218.
• * 1.50

  The Titles of King of Naples and Ierusalem annex'd.
• * 1.51

  The House of the Esti made Lords of Ferrara.
• * 1.52

  The Guel••s side with the Church, the Gibilins with the Emperor.
• * 1.53

  Innocent 4th Pope.
• * 1.54

  Clement 5th Pope.
• * 1.55

  Adrian 5th Pope.
• * 1.56

  Nicholas 3d. of the House of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.57

  The first in∣troduction of Popes Ne∣phews.
• * 1.58

  Martin 10th. Pope.
• * 1.59

  Pope Ce∣lestine resigns to Boniface 8th.
• * 1.60

  The first Ju∣bilees ordain'd by Boniface e∣very 100 years
• * 1.61

  Benedict cho∣sen, dies, and is succeeded by Clement 5th. who remov'd his residence ••n∣to France, 1306.
• * 1.62

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.63

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a great Fami••y in Milan, made Princes of that City by the ex∣tirpation of the Torri.
• * 1.64

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 Milan.
• * 1.65

  The Duke∣dom of Milan falls to the Sfor∣z••s.
• * 1.66

  The Original of the Veneti∣a••s.
• * 1.67

  Candia given to the Veneti∣ans by the French.
• * 1.68

  Benedict 12th Pope.
• * 1.69

  Clement 6th Pope.
• * 1.70

  The Jubilee reduc'd to 50 years.
• * 1.71

  Avignon giv∣en to the Pope by the Queen of Naples.
• * 1.72

  Innocent 6th Pope.
• * 1.73

  Urban 5th Pope.
• * 1.74

  Gregory 12th Pope.
• * 1.75

  The Pope re∣turns to Rome, after 71 years absence in France.
• * 1.76

  Urban 6th Pope: Clement 7th Anti-Pope.
• * 1.77

  Guns first us'd betwixt the Genoveses and Venetians
• * 1.78

  Urban and Clementn suc∣ceeded by Boniface 9th & Benedict 13th.
• * 1.79

  Boniface dies, Innocent 7th succeeds him, and Gre∣gory the 12th. Innocent.
• * 1.80

  Alexander 5th elected, and succeeded by Iohn 23d.
• * 1.81

  Three Popes at once.
• * 1.82

  Martin 5th.
• * 1.83

  The Queen of Naples calls in the K. of Ar∣ragon to her assistance, a∣dopts him, and makes Braccio da Montone her General.
• * 1.84

  The State of Ittaly.