Battle of Legnano

About the Battle

The cities of the Lombard League defeated Frederick Barbarossa, halting imperial control of northern Italy. The Lombards fought around the carroccio, a sacred war wagon bearing their banners. Barbarossa was thrown from his horse and believed killed, fleeing the field. The Peace of Venice six years later recognized the autonomy of the Lombard cities. An early victory of communal self-government over empire.