Lombard League

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Lombard League Defensive alliance of the cities of Lombardy in n Italy (1167). Its purpose was to resist the re-establishment of imperial authority by Emperor Frederick I. Led by Pope Alexander III, the League defeated the Emperor at Legnano (1176). By the Peace of Constance (1183), the Italian cities retained independence while paying lip service to Frederick's authority. The League was active again in 1226, this time against Emperor Frederick II.

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