The Life of Dante, the Inferno of Dante
the Florence government during the 1290's. During his life, Florence was
divided politically between Guelphs and Ghibellines. The Guelphs
supported the church and liked to keep things as they were, unlike the
Ghibellines. The Ghibellines were mostly supporters of the German
emperor and at the time Dante was born, were relieved of their power.
When this change took place, the Guelphs for whom Dante's family was
associated took power. Although born into a Guelph family, Dante became
more neutral later in life realizing that the church was corrupt,
believing it should only be involved in spiritual affairs.
At the turn of the century, Dante rose from city councilman to
ambassador of Florence. His career ended in 1301 when the Black Guelph
and their French allies seized control of the city. They took Dante's
possessions and sentenced him to be permanently banished from Florence,
threatening the death penalty upon him if he returned.
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