In 1189, the political factions known as the Guelphs and Ghibellines began to rise in Italy, representing the conflict between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. This division had profound implications for Italian city-states, particularly in Florence and Siena, leading to civil strife and cultural developments. The struggle between these factions would shape the political landscape of Italy for centuries.

The Guelph and Ghibelline conflict influenced poets like Dante, who would later explore these themes in his works. The political turmoil provided a rich backdrop for poetry, reflecting the complexities of loyalty, power, and the human experience in a divided society.