Editing Como (section)

===Medieval Era: From Lombard Rule to the Rise of the Commune===

Following the [[fall of the Western Roman Empire]], Como's history mirrored that of Lombardy, experiencing periods of control by the [[Goths]], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantines]], and later the [[Langobards]].  The [[Langobards]], a Germanic people originating from Scandinavia, profoundly impacted the region after their arrival in the [[Po Valley]] in 568 AD under King [[Alboin]].  They established the [[Lombard Kingdom]], initially encompassing Northern Italy and later expanding to include Tuscany and parts of Southern Italy.  Under Lombard rule, Como prospered, largely due to the reconstruction of Queen Theudelind's road, a crucial trade route connecting [[Germany]] and the [[Italian Peninsula]], enhancing Como's strategic and commercial importance.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zanella |first=Antonio |title=Paolo Diacono, La storia dei longobardi |date=16 October 1991 |publisher=Rizzoli |isbn=978-8817168243 |trans-title=Paul the Deacon, the History of the Langobards}}</ref>

In 774, Como surrendered to the invading [[Carolingian Empire|Franks]] led by [[Charlemagne]], becoming a significant center for trade.<ref name="lombardiabeniculturali.it">{{cite web | url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/?view=toponimi&hid=0 | title=Comune di Como, sec. XI - 1757 – Istituzioni storiche – Lombardia Beni Culturali | access-date=5 March 2024 | archive-date=12 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053521/https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/?view=toponimi&hid=0 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Millano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=29–36 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Chronicles of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  The [[Medieval commune|Commune]] of Como emerged in the 11th century, evolving from an association of prominent families bound by treaty and oath. This communal structure, initially exclusive to noble families, broadened over time to include all free male citizens, strengthening Como's political independence and the authority of its bishop.  The bishop became the de facto leader, while a citizen assembly convened in the "Broletto" (Town Hall), initially composed of nobles and later including representatives from guilds.  The Commune established its own laws governing various aspects of urban life, from commerce and agriculture to law enforcement and taxation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Piano delle regole |url=https://www.comune.como.it/export/sites/default/it/doc/pgt/piano-delle-regole/relazione-piano-delle-regole/x0.5.1xComo_Pgt_PianoRegole_Pagine_279_311.pdf |access-date=5 March 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002220709/https://www.comune.como.it/export/sites/default/it/doc/pgt/piano-delle-regole/relazione-piano-delle-regole/x0.5.1xComo_Pgt_PianoRegole_Pagine_279_311.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Commune's territory encompassed the entire Diocese of Como, extending beyond the city itself to include a vast area including much of the modern Province of Como, Canton Ticino, and parts of Valtellina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almini |first=Saverio |date=2005-01-19 |title=Lombardia Beni Culturali: Diocesi di Como |trans-title=Lombardy cultural heritage: the Diocese of Como |url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3101278/ |website=Lombardia Beni Culturali |language=it |type=History page of a Regional Government's Heritage department}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Millano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=29–36 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Cronicles of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  Strategically positioned on Lake Como and benefiting from the Road of Queen Theudelind, Como rapidly grew into a wealthy and influential town.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della Guerra Decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |location=Gorgonzola |pages=15–19 |language= |trans-title=The Cumano, cronicle of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>

This prosperity, however, led to rivalry with Milan. Milan's expansionist ambitions culminated in the [[War of Milan against Como|Decennial War between Como and Milan]] (1118-1127).  Despite initial Comaschi successes, Milan ultimately triumphed, devastating Como in 1127, sparing only churches.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |date=January 2013 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |isbn=9788887867459 |pages=63–152 |language=it |trans-title=The Cumano, Cronicle of the 10-Years War between Como and Milan 1118-1127}}</ref>  Despite this setback, Como's fortunes were revived by [[Frederick Barbarossa]], who restored its independence and supported the rebuilding of its defenses, including town walls and the [[Baradello]] castle.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bergamaschi |first=Mario |title=Il Cumano. Cronaca della guerra decennale tra Como e Milano 1118-1127 |publisher=Alessandro Dominioni Editore |year=2013 |isbn=9788887867459 |location=Como |publication-date=2013 |trans-title=The Cumano. Chronicles of the Ten-Year War Between Como and Milan (1118-1127)}}</ref> Como remained aligned with the [[Ghibellines]], even as other Lombard communes formed the pro-papal [[Lombard League]]. Emperor Frederick I formally recognized the Commune of Como in 1175, granting it significant autonomy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/ | title=Comune di Como, sec. XI - 1757 – Istituzioni storiche – Lombardia Beni Culturali | access-date=5 March 2024 | archive-date=12 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112053523/https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/istituzioni/schede/3002492/ | url-status=live }}</ref>