Dante Alighieri Exiled from Florence
In the early 14th century, Florence was riven by factional strife between the White and Black Guelfs, rival groups within the dominant political party that vied for control amid broader tensions with the Holy Roman Empire and the papacy. Dante Alighieri, a prominent poet and statesman who had served as one of the city's six priors, aligned with the Whites and participated in decisions that included banishing Black leaders. On January 27, 1302, his political enemies among the Blacks seized power and sentenced him to exile on charges of corruption and opposition, barring his return under penalty of death. Dante fled the city and spent the remainder of his life wandering between Italian courts and cities, dependent on patrons for...