1302: Dante Alighieri condemned

ExecutedToday.com ^ | March 10, 2008 | Jeffrey Fisher

[CheshireTheCat]

On this day in 1302, the governing commune of the city of Florence condemned to death Dante Alighieri, statesman, philosopher, and above all, poet. Arguably the greatest mind of his generation, Dante is most famous for his authorship of the Divine Comedy, relating his journeys through, successively, hell, purgatory, and heaven.

Born in 1265 to a noble family of Florence that, while not the city’s most prominent family, had already seen several of his ancestors banished as a result of political turmoil, Dante could hardly have avoided becoming embroiled in public life had he even wanted to. In brief, a long-running struggle between pro-imperial (the so-called Holy Roman Empire) and pro-papal factions was finally won by the pro-papal forces, known as the Guelphs. Two decisive battles in 1289 established both Florence’s independence (particularly from their old nemesis, Pisa) and the rule of the Guelphs, Dante’s own party.

Dante is likely to have taken part in those battles and was active in city politics in the following decade, culminating in a turn in 1300 as prior (one of six key counsellors to the city, serving a two-month term). Florence prided itself on a tradition of democratic rule going back to the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1250....

[daniel1212]

A short summation: The Pope “invited” Dante to stay in Rome while his companions returned to Florence...Dante was ordered to appear before a tribunal to answer for his alleged crimes. When he did not show up, he was banished to two years of exile...the commune confiscated all of his goods and condemned him to death by burning should he ever return...in 1315, his death sentence was not only reaffirmed, but extended to include his sons... he still held out hope of returning to Florence to be crowned as poet...It was over the course of that time in exile that Dante composed his political and philosophical works..His body remains in Ravenna, where he died and was buried in 1321.

[PIF]

In 1302, he was seized by the Black Guelphs. He was condemned to perpetual exile; if he returned to Florence without paying the fine, he could have been burned at the stake.

Dante later died of malaria in Ravenna (Italy) on 14 September 1321, aged 56 and was NOT executed.

[Verginius Rufus]

I think after his death Florence wanted him to be buried in Florence but his tomb is still in Ravenna (lovely structure).

[Romulus]

Been there.

[G Larry]

I recently completed The Divine Comedy and am now going through a book of Botticelli's artful depictions of various scenes in the three realms.

It is most thought provoking and not a light read.

It is most important to read the accompanying footnotes that correspond to each chapter, as you read each chapter.

[Blueflag]

Pretty sure the Italians named a PRE-WW2 battleship for him.

[Salman]

Whew. I was afraid this was going to be about him being "cancelled" in 2021.

He did put Muhammad in his Inferno. Also sodomites.

[paterfamilias]

“I recently completed The Divine Comedy and am now going through a book of Botticelli’s artful depictions of various scenes in the three realms.
It is most thought provoking and not a light read.”

Indeed. I have almost completed it, being about 1/2 way through Paradiso. A difficult but rewarding read.

To say he was a learned genius tremendously understates his gift.

[nd76]

Ravenna is the best kept secret in Italy. Fantastic tourist city without very many international tourists. Highly recommended.

[Romulus]

Totally agree.

[Borges]

I highly recommend this guy’s ongoing lectures on each Canto....

https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianDenton3/playlists

[G Larry]

Thank You!