The upper Frignano, below the Apennine ridge, is a country of small castles, mountain communities and the abbey of Nonantola's woods.
Its later federation (the Comune del Frignano) cannot be shown acting in 1200.
Who he is
- Title
- Several lineages
- Since
- not pinned
- Family
- Lineages of the upper Frignano (names for 1200 not pinned)
- Confidence
- low
it.wikipedia (Sestola) says that in the communal age Sestola joined the federated commune of the Frignano and that Modena and Bologna fought over it until the 14th century; no date is given for the federation, so it is not shown acting as one body in 1200. The Nonantola abbey's woods at Fanano lie here (a Church map record).
Overlord
Claimed by Modena; Bologna contends.
What it holds
- Sestola, Montecreto, Riolunato, Pievepelago and Fiumalbo, with their castles and communities (holders not pinned)
Allies and rivals
Modena and Bologna both press on them.
How things stand that morning
Local lineages and communities hold the upper valleys under Modena's claim.
Wealth
Pasture, chestnut woods and the passes to Pistoia and the Garfagnana.
Military
Small castles; no figures.
Threats
- Modena
- Bologna
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Only general statements were found.
On the map: Drawn as one block for want of evidence on who held each castle.
Primary sources for Modena
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- The Lombard city annals of Piacenza, Milan, Cremona, Parma, Mantua and Verona (kept in the 12th and 13th centuries). The communes' own year lists. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.