Bologne et le cardinal legat Bertrand Du Pouget. Le refus d'un grand projet

Abstract

Between the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century, the decadence of the city of Bologna was accentuated by various internal and external factors. This instability contributed the difficulty of the city to control the most remote territories. The strategies of the Avignon papacy and its cardinal legates sent to Italy as governors, increased the general disorder that was in place. The defeat against Modena at Zappolino in 1325 and the subsequent siege forced the Bolognese community to get to its last resorts to achieve a return to normality. It was in this context that the Bolognese authorities decided to appoint and trust Cardinal Legate Bertrand du Pouget, who became lord of the city on February 5, 1327, demonstrating efficiency in the face of the most urgent problems. His dual duties as lord of the city and legate led him to adopt choices in favour of the Church, to the detriment of the interests and traditional alliances of the citizens of Bologna. The construction of a fortress placed near the Galliera Gate, started in 1330, where he established his residence, increased the mistrust of the population towards him. Finally, in 1334, the discontent provoked by his policies led to a popular revolt in the course of which he was driven from Bologna and his castle looted and destroyed. This article traces the main stages of the political action that led Bertrand du Pouget to Italy to fight against Ghibellism and to rebuild the State of the Church, by moving its capital to Bologna.