Page "Reggio Emilia" Paragraph 12

To thwart the abuses of powerful families such as the Sessi, Fogliani and Canossa, the Senate of Reggio gave the city's rule for a period of three years to the Este member Obizzo II d ' Este.

This choice marked the future path of Reggio under the seignory of that family, as Obizzo continued to rule de facto after his mandate has ceased.

His son Azzo was expelled by the Reggiani in 1306, creating a republic ruled by 800 common people.

In 1310 the Emperor Henry VII imposed Marquis Spinetto Malaspina as vicar, but he was soon driven out.

The republic ended in 1326 when Cardinal Bertrando del Poggetto annexed Reggio to the Papal States.