THE annals of Siena during the twelfth and thir-
teenth centuries, like those of most other Italian cities,
are little more than a record of frequent changes in the
order of government, of popular tumults, of the exile
of powerful citizens and their armed return to take
vengeance on and expel their domestic foes, of bloody
feuds between allied families, and of repeated violence
and treachery, consequent on bitter party divisions.
The hate of Guelf and Ghibelline, quickened by the
passions of intestine factions, was never appeased.
The turbulent mass of the common people was always
ready for a call to arms. Each great family had their
band of retainers, trained for service however desper-
ate, and their palaces were built as strongholds, not
for themselves alone, but to afford shelter and protec-
tion to their numerous followers.

In spite, however, of division and discord, in spite of
broils at home and wars abroad, the city grew and
prospered, and the strength of the community in-
creased. Siena became by degrees conscious of her

-87-