[1] The 12th century saw the resumption of the efforts by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I to reassert his authority in Northern Italy, which some Lombard cities resisted, and sought to preserve their autonomy by siding with Pope Innocent III.
Still, a pro-imperial faction of cities also existed, termed the "Ghibelline" party after Waiblingen, one of the early centers of the Hohenstaufen power base.
They mainly revolved around the question of which local noble families were to rule their respective communes as podestá.
The battle was won by the Ghibellines of Cremona, who also captured the Brescian carroccio, the wagon bearing the city signs, a symbol of municipal autonomy and pride.
Both communes then concluded in peace[clarification needed] and exiles were allowed to return to their home cities.