In 1176, a league of Italian towns defeated the might of the Holy Roman Empire
In 1176, a coalition of northern Italian cities proved that citizen militias could defeat the professional knights of the Holy Roman Empire, changing the balance of power in medieval Europe forever.
The Battle of Legnano, fought on May 29, 1176, was a turning point in the struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. The Lombard League, an alliance of Italian city-states, faced off against the formidable Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. In a shocking upset, the League's infantry successfully defended their 'carroccio'—a sacred war wagon—against the Emperor's elite heavy cavalry.
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