The goal of the rebellion was to organize the civil government of Rome in a fashion similar to that of the previous Roman Republic, including the reestablishment of the Senate.

In a pattern that was to become familiar in the communal struggles of Guelfs and Ghibellines, the commune declared allegiance to the more distant power, the Holy Roman Emperor, and initiated negotiations with newly elected Pope Lucius II.

However, he eventually came to an agreement with the civil authority that had deposed Pierleoni, and returned to Rome on Christmas Day 1145.

Similarly in 1152 a letter written by an unknown Wezel from Rome to the Frederick Barbarossa insisted that only the Senate had authority to crown the Emperor.

Eugene's successor, Adrian IV, convinced Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to lead an army against the city.