Guido Guerra

Aligned with the Guelph faction, Guerra had a prominent role in the political conflicts of mid-thirteenth century Tuscany.

He was admired by Dante Alighieri, who granted him honor in the Divine Comedy, even though he placed Guerra in Hell among sinners of sodomy.

[4] While in power, with fellow Guelph Tegghiaio Aldobrandi, Guerra consuls the Florentines to not engage in open battle in Siena in the hopes of avoiding the defeat of Montaperti.

He advocated for the inclusion of the middle class (popolo) in the city governance, but this reform was firmly ostracized and eventually revoked due to the pressure of the papal curia.

[1] According to Dante and medieval Christian views of sexuality, the Sodomites sinned against nature, using practices designed for reproduction for other uses and pleasure.

The Battle of Montaperti, where Guido and the Guelphs suffered a defeat at the hands of the Ghibellines in 1260. They would return in 1266.
The Battle of Benevento, where Guido lead the Guelphs in the retaking of Florence in 1266.
Sculpture of "The Three Shades" by Rodin, depicting Guerra, Aldobrandi, and Rusticucci in Hell.