Who were the Guelfs and Ghibellines?

In Italian history, Guelfs and Ghibellines were the names of two great factions. During the Middle Ages the conflicts of these parties filled the pages of history. The names arose in Germany from rival contestants for the im­perial dignity. In Italy the Guelfs were identified with the cause of the pope, that is to say, the church, and of the free or independent cities. The Ghibellines were the party of the emperor.

Guelfs and Ghibellines