The Man Who Dreamed of Rome's Resurrection in the Late Middle Ages

1. The Imperial Capital Turned into a Field of Pigs The 14th century was the era of the Black Death, a contradictory time when humanism was taking root. Intellectuals in Italy pored over the writings of Cicero and Virgil, and were captivated by the heroic tales of Scipio Africanus and Julius Caesar. Yet, the reason they were so obsessed with 'Imaginary Rome' was, paradoxically, because 'Real Rome' was utterly devastated. To the humanists, Rome was no longer the heart of the empire but a dirty, derelict third-rate city. Its population, once counted in the millions, had shrunk to less than 30,000. The Roman Forum, the center of Ancient Rome, had devolved into the 'Campo Vaccino (Field of Cows),' where cattle grazed. The Capitoline Hill, once ruled by nobles, was now called 'Monte Caprino (Goat Mountain),' due to the goats wandering there. The Popes’ reluctance to return to Rome during the Avignon Papacy wasn't solely due to pressure from the French King. They simply didn't want to go back to that ruin, rife with collapsing security and foul odors. Intellectuals like Petrarch desperately called for the Pope's return because they believed the Pope's absence was the cause of Rome's downfall.

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2. The Dreamers Who Read Glory in the Ruins Petrarch, the greatest humanist of his time, sensed the 'breath of the empire' that others missed amid the ruined Baths of Caracalla, the marble-stripped Colosseum, and the collapsing columns. To him, these ruins were not mere stones but living evidence attesting to Rome's glory. He spent his life dreaming of Rome's spiritual resurrection, even writing the epic poem *Africa*, which praised Scipio. But the protagonist of our story today is not Petrarch. He is Cola di Rienzo, the dangerous dreamer who was inspired by Petrarch's ideas and tried to forcibly summon 'Imaginary Rome' into 'Political Reality.'

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3. The Tavern Owner's Son's Imperial Delusions Cola di Rienzo's birth name was Nicola Lorenzo Gabrini. Born the son of a Roman inn and tavern owner, he was of humble status, yet he believed he was the illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII. This delusion, overly grand for a commoner, ironically made him extraordinary. Intelligent, he devoured the classics and grew into an unmatched orator. Astonishingly, he managed to secure an opportunity to be dispatched to the Papal Court in Avignon as a representative of the Roman citizens. Standing before Pope Clement VI, he used his dazzling Latin skills and eloquence to expose Rome's miserable state and plead for the Pope's return. The Pope saw potential in this audacious young man. At the time, Rome was lawless, divided and ruled like a mafia territory by powerful noble families. The Pope intended to use Cola to check the nobles and restore papal authority, appointing him as a notary for the Papal Court and sending him back to Rome. This was the prelude to tragedy.