Ghibellinism

/ɡɪˈbɛləˌnɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The political ideology or beliefs of the Ghibellines, supporting imperial authority over papal power in medieval Italy.

Etymology

From Ghibelline plus the suffix -ism (meaning 'a system of belief or practice'). This nominalization captures the entire political philosophy of the pro-imperial faction.

Kelly Says

Ghibellinism never really existed as a formal philosophy—it was more of a political brand that Italian families chose for power and wealth, making it one of history's first examples of political team loyalty.

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