The Rise of the Second Republic

The Commune of Rome was briefly established in Rome in the twelfth century from 1144 in opposition to the temporal power of the higher nobles and the popes. In an effort to reestablish democracy and the old Roman Republic, the revolutionaries set up a senate on the lines of the ancient one: dividing Rome into fourteen districts, each electing four senators for a total of 56 (though one source, oft repeated, gives a total of 50). These senators, the first real senators since the seventh century, for the senatorial title had become a meaningless adjunct title of nobility by then, elected as their leader Giordano Pierleoni, son of the Roman consul Petrus Leo with the title patrician, because consul was also a depreciated noble styling.


What if...what if this Roman Commune not only survived but managed to turn back the Imperial armies that were sent against it. And then slowly but surely the rise of the Second Republic begins. I am still looking into possible POD's however I think the Battle of Monte Porzio would be the best spot seeing how it was said by the revolutionaries that it was the "Greatest army Rome had sent into the field in centuries." Fate decided that it was the Imperials who would win the day, but let us assume due to whatever reasons that the Republicans do succeed in turning back the Imperial army and begin to ready themselves. Remember, even in this year the city of Rome was a fortress to be reckoned with. So if an independent Roman Republic did manage to pull itself from the ashes of Italy, how might it go about its future. I was thinking that perhaps Rome could attempt to form alliances with the other Italian city states who likewise, had no great love for the Emperor and his designs on the peninsula.
 
From what I've read of that battle, and my general Knowledge of Barbarossa would reinforce, that he used mainly cavalry, since he often had to head quickly into Italy to put down various insurgencies. So I'm thinking, they get properly armed with Anti-Cavalry gear and they can win? Considering they outnumbered Freddy by about 9-1.
 
I think you are right, that battle was crucial. If the Romans had won, they might just have been able to survive.

Might the Romans have attempted to bring other areas of Italy under their control, like Spoleto or the Romagna? Or would their best bet be to just keep with Rome once they defeat Barbarossa?
 
Another thing I was thinking of -- if the Republic survives and does not immediately conquer parts of mainland Italy, might they take the merchant republic path and build up a navy? This is only sixty years or so after Pisa was driven out of Tunisia, so might the Romans seek to recapture Carthage like the original Roman Republic did, or to dominate trade?
 
I did some research into this a while ago. It ain't gonna happen. The Republicans had kicked out the Pope and would only let him back in if he surrendered his temporal power over the city. No way in hell was the Papacy going to do that. Worst case scenario, he brandishes the Republicans heretics and calls the HRE for help in regaining Rome.
 
Top