Apart from being well known for causing a little ruckus here and there during the 12th century, they also adopted unusual customs concerning feathers and hats, and the amusing "cutting fruit a certain way, according to their affiliation" is rather ponderous, too. Who were they, and what was the commotion about?

lanfranco

Hmm. Are you referring to the Guelphs and Ghibellines, the warring adherents of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 12th and 13th centuries? Dante was a Guelph, at least at one point. I think he more or less switched allegiances. See http://www.dantealighieri.net/cambridge/guelphs.html Apr 09 05, 7:19 PM

onlytrivial

Yes, would be the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. According to their affiliations they would cut fruit a certain way and wear a feather on a particular side of their hats. http://www.answers.com/topic/guelphs-and-ghibellines This article seems to suggest this only took place in Florence, I don't know if that was the case, or if they continued their fruit-cutting and feathered-hat-wearing practices elsewhere. Apr 09 05, 8:35 PM

gmackematix

A rich German family called Welf? Sounds like nominal determinism to me! Apr 09 05, 8:39 PM

peasypod

Nice One lanfranco, I came across this one whilst researching for another question around that era, yay and hoorah for you. Apr 09 05, 9:35 PM