it was assigned to his grandson Lothaire (843), whose descend-
ants held the throne nearly fifty years (843-888). This
period is noted for the invasion of southern Italy by the
Saracens, who carried their victorious arms even to the gates
of Rome. They held possession of a large part of the coun-
try until they were expelled by the Normans (1016).
35. Confusion and civil war followed the close of the Car-
lovingian dynasty in northern Italy, occasioned by the dis-
putes of ambitious nobles for the throne, until
Otho I. of Germany assumed the sovereignty of



Civil war.
the country (961). From this period the chief towns rapidly
emerged into power and importance. The Lombard League
was formed in 1167, and, in 1183, the cities secured
their independence by the Peace of Constance.
Cities.
The bitter strife between the Guelphs and Ghibellines de-
vastated the country for centuries, some of the cities favoring
the Guelph interest, that is the interest of Italy and the popes
against that of thp emperor; others the Ghibelline, or impe-
rial interest. Nevertheless, the republics of northern Italy
attained a high degree of splendor and prosperity, which they
continued to enjoy during the Middle Ages.*

* These republics included : 1. The Lombard Cities— Milan, Cremona, Pa via,
Brescia, Verona, Mantua, Padua, etc. ; 2. The Cities of Romagna— Bologna, Fer-
rara, Modena, etc.; 8. The Tuscan Cit ies— Florence, Pisa, Lucca, etc.; 4. Genoa.'
and 5. Venice. Some of these cities were in the Guelph interest; others in the
Ghibelline. There were frequent wars among these small states, and family feuds
In the individual cities, such as that of the Capulets and Montagues in Verona,
on which Shakespeare founded his play of Romeo and Juliet.
152 Hediceval History.
Republic op Vshige.
