CHAPTER I

A.D. PAGE

The duchy of Urbino, how composed 3

Its characteristic features, and traditional topography 4

Origin of Italian communities 4

Rise of the Guelph and Ghibelline factions 5

Counts of the empire 6

Republics established in Italy 7

Opinions regarding their spirit 8

The seigneurs attain to sovereignty 10

Practical distinction of Guelph and Ghibelline 11

Early military system 12

Origin and influence of free companies 14

The term Republic misapplied 15

Their principle of liberty examined 16

Political divisions of Romagna and La Marca in the fifteenth century 18

Opposed to modern speculations and the aims of Young Italy 19

Mariotti's admissions regarding freedom 20