Italy in the Middle Ages

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== Italy in the Middle Ages ==

Italy in the Middle Ages refers to the history and development of the Italian peninsula from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century. This period was marked by significant political, social, and cultural changes.

Early Middle Ages

The early Middle Ages in Italy began with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, leading to the establishment of various Germanic kingdoms. The most notable of these were the Ostrogoths, who ruled Italy under Theodoric the Great from 493 to 526 AD. The Ostrogothic Kingdom was eventually overthrown by the Byzantine Empire during the Gothic War (535–554).

Lombard Rule

Following the Gothic War, the Lombards invaded Italy in 568 AD, establishing the Kingdom of the Lombards. Their rule lasted until 774 AD when the kingdom was conquered by the Franks under Charlemagne, who incorporated it into the Carolingian Empire.

The Rise of the Papal States

During the early Middle Ages, the Papal States emerged as a significant political entity. The Donation of Pepin in 756 AD granted the Pope control over a large territory in central Italy, which became the foundation of the Papal States. This period also saw the increasing influence of the Catholic Church in Italian politics and society.

High Middle Ages

The High Middle Ages in Italy were characterized by the rise of powerful city-states and maritime republics. Notable among these were Venice, Genoa, Pisa, and Amalfi. These city-states became centers of trade, commerce, and culture, playing a crucial role in the economic and cultural development of Europe.

The Norman Conquest of Southern Italy

In the 11th century, the Normans began their conquest of southern Italy, eventually establishing the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130. This kingdom included not only the island of Sicily but also large parts of the southern Italian mainland.

The Holy Roman Empire and the Italian City-States

The relationship between the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian city-states was complex and often contentious. The Investiture Controversy and the subsequent conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines were significant events that shaped the political landscape of Italy during the High Middle Ages.

Late Middle Ages

The late Middle Ages in Italy saw the decline of feudalism and the rise of powerful city-states such as Florence, Milan, and Venice. This period also witnessed the beginning of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that would have a profound impact on the history of Italy and Europe.

Related Pages

• History of Italy
• Medieval Europe
• Renaissance
• Holy Roman Empire
• Papal States
• Norman Conquest of Southern Italy
• Guelphs and Ghibellines
• Kingdom of the Lombards
• Ostrogothic Kingdom