Conrad Malaspina the Elder

His diplomatic career hence began under the supervision of his uncles, who, until he turned 18, were acting in his name, he also worked alongside his cousins, they were tied by their common ancestor, the marques Obizzo I.

In the period they worked together they had an intense diplomatic activity trying to solve the contrasts that arose with the Count-Bishop of the diocese of “Luni”, consequentially they signed agreements with the cities of Genoa, Milan, Piacenza, Tortona and Modena.

By 1202 a compromise was found: the parties agreed on reciprocal defense within the borders of the diocese of “Luni” as well as the equal division of the contended lands, under the promise that the bishop would pay an initial amount of money plus a yearly tax.

The Malaspina family was a strong supporter of Emperor Otto von Brunswick in his contrast against pope Innocent the third, Pavia and the marquessate of Monferrato.

Even if Emperor Otto von Brunswick lost in the battle of Bouvines in 1214 the Malaspina family kept fighting against Pavia, which was impeding pilgrims from reaching Rome, siding with Milan and afterwards Piacenza.

Upon request, Emperor Frederic the second in 1220 confirmed the validity of the solution regarding the division of the land owned by Conrad and Obizzo in the territories of Liguria, Lombardy and of Lunigiana.

[3] The relationship Conrad and his cousin Obizzo started with Emperor Frederick II was very prolific, even though they didn't have a prominent position in his court, they followed him in northern and central Italy during his campaigns.

After the emperor's death (1250), Conrad went back to his family and managing his possessions, he then helped the Spino Fiorito branch to reestablish its position of power, as reported in a document stating that in 1253 the two cousins occupied for a short period Pontremoli.