I was reading the last volume of "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" this morning and this fellow caught my eye.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cola_di_Rienzo
It appears he led a popular revolt against the warring, violent nobles of the city of Rome and managed to establish a rather populist government before going rather nutty and getting overthrown. He then fled, reclaimed power, and was overthrown again.
What if he never indulged in expensive eccentricities and was able to remain in power?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cola_di_Rienzo
It appears he led a popular revolt against the warring, violent nobles of the city of Rome and managed to establish a rather populist government before going rather nutty and getting overthrown. He then fled, reclaimed power, and was overthrown again.
What if he never indulged in expensive eccentricities and was able to remain in power?