Communal Italy is known to be a land of autonomous cities that had a direct control over their territory in the countryside. The contado, inhabited by villagers and houses of rural nobles, is usually perceived as a distinctly separate territory, completely subjected to the control of the dominant city. According to this narrative, aristocratic families opposed fiercely the urban ruling class in the desperate attempt to maintain a semblance of their ancient power. But was it really like that? Introducing a case-study of political conflict in Bologna at the end of XIIIth century I will show how communication and interaction between city and countryside was not only possible, but even necessary. The opposing parties of Lambertazzi and Geremei had to search for help in the countryside while rural nobles exploited this conflict to strengthen their domains and fight their ancient enemies.
