A.D. PAGE The duchy of Urbino, how composed 3 Its characteristic features, and traditional topography 4 Origin of Italian communities 4 Rise of the Guelph and Ghibelline factions 5 Counts of the empire 6 Republics established in Italy 7 Opinions regarding their spirit 8 The seigneurs attain to sovereignty 10 Practical distinction of Guelph and Ghibelline 11 Early military system 12 Origin and influence of free companies 14 The term Republic misapplied 15 Their principle of liberty examined 16 Political divisions of Romagna and La Marca in the fifteenth century 18 Opposed to modern speculations and the aims of Young Italy 19 Mariotti's admissions regarding freedom 20 CHAPTER II Examples of these ideas in the dynasties of Urbino 22 1160. The early Counts of Montefeltro are invested with Urbino 22 1371. Invited to Cagli 22 1384. Received at Gubbio 22 1433. Acquired Casteldurante 23 1445. Purchased Fossombrone 23 1474. Sinigaglia given to the della Rovere 23 1513. They obtained Pesaro and Gradara 23 Statistics of the state so composed 23 1160-1631. Its dynastic changes 24 Early genealogy of the Montefeltri 24 1160-1815. The Counts of Carpegna 25 1154. Antonio, first Count of Montefeltro 25 1216. Buonconte, first Count of Urbino 25 1268. Count Guido the Elder, his prowess 26 1282. Takes Forlì by stratagem 27 1289. Excommunicated as a Ghibelline 27 1296. Abdicates and becomes a friar 28 1294. Abdication of Celestine V. 28 " Succeeded by Boniface VIII. 28