The imperial commune squeezed between Bologna and Faenza on the Santerno.
It accepted Barbarossa's protection in 1159 and has been the Romagna base of the imperial side ever since: Markward of Annweiler was in Imola in 1198 and from there beat back a Bolognese and Faentine army and razed Tossignano. The city is still divided against the hill castle of Imola (Castrum Imolae) and the people of the old episcopal centre of San Cassiano; the bishop's move into the city was authorised in 1187.
Who holds it
- Title
- Consuls or podestà of Imola for 1199
- Since
- not pinned
- Confidence
- low
Imola had consuls (four to twelve) from the eleventh century; Bishop Mainardino degli Aldighieri was podestà in 1207 and 1221. No officer for 1199 or 1200 was found.
Lord in 1200
The commune of Imola, under the emperor's protection since 1159 (a palace was built there for the imperial vicar); no imperial officer that winter.
How things stand that morning
Self-governing and imperial in sympathy; at war with Bologna and Faenza since 1198 with no peace recorded; Tossignano lost to Bologna's side and Castel San Pietro newly built on the Sillaro facing it.
Charter
Under Barbarossa's protection from 25 June 1159; the peace of 1153 had forced it to demolish its walls, cede castles and pay Faenza two palii a year.
Council
Consuls drawn from the citizens; a podestà at times (not pinned for 1199).
Communities
The townsmen of the civitas and the separate community of the Castrum Imolae on its hill.
Militia
Citizen militia; allied knights of the counts of Cunio (Rainiero di Cunio a citizen since 1186).
Walls and castle
Walls rebuilt after the forced demolition of 1153 (date not pinned); the Castrum Imolae on its hill outside, which moves into the city only in 1221-1222.
Trade and crafts
Market town on the Via Emilia; the Santerno valley road toward Tuscany; a lagoon landing at Conselice for the boats to Ravenna and the Po (attested in the thirteenth century).
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- 1200 (not pinned)Raids and counter-raids with Bologna across the Sillaro and in the Santerno hills.Depends on: No truce being made. Stopped by: A truce or a new imperial envoy.
Places of note
- Dozza: Hill castle on the Bologna border, a free commune from about 1150 that changed hands between Bolognese and Imolese families
- Fontanelice: Where the imperial side deported the people of Tossignano in 1198
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: From the Italian Wikipedia histories of Imola and Tossignano; no officers or treaties for 1199-1200 found.
On the map: The contado follows the 1153 limits (Quaderna to the west, Casola Valsenio to the south-west, Fontanelice to the south, the marshes to the north) minus what Bologna had taken by 1199 (Castel San Pietro, Tossignano).
Sources and studies
- Storia di Imola (it.wikipedia)
- Tossignano (it.wikipedia)
- Dozza (it.wikipedia)
- Conti di Cunio (it.wikipedia)
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.