...the situation changes as Viterbo rebels, instigated…
November 1243 CE
...the situation changes as Viterbo rebels, instigated by the intriguing Cardinal Ranieri of Viterbo.
Frederick cannot afford to lose his main stronghold near Rome, and besieges the city.
(Many authorities state that the Emperor's star began its descent with this move.)
Innocent convinces him to withdraw his troops, but Ranieri nonetheless has the Imperial garrison slaughtered on November 13.
Frederick is enraged.