The battle ended an intra-Lombard League civil war, demonstrating that Italian communes prioritized internal rivalries over unified opposition to Emperor Frederick II.
Key Facts
- War start year
- 1226
- Battle date
- August 1229
- Piacenza knights sent to Bologna
- 174 knights
- Truce signed
- 11 December 1229
- Truce duration
- 9 years (broken 1234)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A factional conflict within the Lombard League began in 1226, pitting Bologna, Milan, and Piacenza against Modena, Cremona, and Parma. In 1228, Bologna invaded Modenese territory but was forced to withdraw due to an epidemic, leaving the underlying dispute unresolved and setting the stage for renewed confrontation.
In August 1229, Bologna besieged the Modenese castle of San Cesario. According to Salimbene de Adam, the castle fell before the assembled Modenese relief armies, after which a fierce night battle erupted. The Bolognese suffered heavy losses among both infantry and cavalry and were forced to retreat, abandoning their carroccio and all their equipment on the field.
Following their defeat, elements of the Bolognese militia mutinied, occupied the Palazzo Communale, and demanded peace. Negotiations ensued, mediated by Guala de Roniis, with Bishop Enrico della Fratta representing Bologna. A nine-year truce was signed on 11 December 1229, though Bologna broke it in 1234. The victors ultimately returned the captured carroccio at Parma's urging rather than press a humiliating advantage.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
3 belligerents
Side B
3 belligerents