Alberto da Giussano, a native of Lombardy, was a legendary Guelph warrior during the wars of the Lombard League against Frederick Barbarossa in 12th century. Fourteenth century Milanese chroniclers attributed him the deed of forming the "Company of Death" which defended the Carroccio of the League at the Battle of Legnano. Lega Nord uses, as it's emblem, an image inspired by the statue of him erected at Legnano in 1900.
Some anti-Northern League sources claim that some historical aspects involving da Giussano are a myth. This record does have some historical merit, but why this is even relevant anyway is a mystery to me. It's like fighting over whether or not William Wallace tied his left shoe first before the Battle of Sterling, RATHER than acknowledge the significance of the battle itself!
Alberto da Giussano seems to be the main player, along with German Emperor Fredrick I, in the upcoming Italian movie 'Barbarossa.' I think part of the significance of da Giussano, like William Wallace, was the concept of one common man standing up to an extremely powerful imperial dictator, and winning. The old American ideal of loving an underdog is exemplified here I think.
When looking at the excerpts of 'Barbarossa', it gives the appearance of a classic Italian movie. A certain passion and purity comes through it seems. I'm looking forward to it.
[8-12-10 Addition: The following link is for the Alberto da Giussano Wikipedia webpage]
3 comments:
Alberto da Giussano never existed. How can anyone believe that a great hero wins a great battle and that for nearly two centuries no source talks?
The freedom of the Lombard cities was not threatened by Barbarossa, but by Milan. Como, Lodi, Pavia were not destroyed by Barbarossa, but by the Milanese.
So the information on this page is incorrect?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_League
Your page is incomplete and approximate.
Lodi was completely destroyed by the Milanese in 1111 (rebuild in other location with the help of Barbarossa in 1158).
In 1127 the walls and towers of Como were destroyed by the Milanese.
Even Pavia and Cremona throughout the twelfth century had to suffer the aggressions and incursions of the Milanese.
We can thus understand why the inhabitants of these cities did took a great satisfaction destroiing the walls of Milan in 1162.
In the following years the emperor was almost always in Germany and Milan could also compel Pavia, Lodi and Cremona (but not Como)to join the lombard league.
(sorry for my bad english)
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