ABSTRACT
Some princes ruled by terror. Giovanni Villani, the Florentine chronicler, said of Francesco degli Ordelaffi, Lord of Forli: “With a mass of violent threats he urged the citizens to be his faithful and loyal friends.” But most princes recognized that their chances of remaining in power and founding a dynasty would be better if they maintained justice, fostered the economy, won wars or discreetly avoided wars, and increased their city’s fame and glory. The princes of Italy ruled by power, personality and political craft. Exiled leaders of rival factions congregated in nearby enemy cities and urged war to obtain power for them and to turn the rascals out. A minor prince might rule over one small town and a small agricultural area around it. The condottieri, or mercenary commanders, prided themselves upon their skill as tacticians, on their bargaining power with their employers and on their ability to keep common soldiers faithful to them.
