Guido Guerra

Guido Guerra V (c. 1220–1272) was a politician from Florence, Italy. Aligned with the Guelph faction, Guerra had a prominent role in the political conflicts of mid-thirteenth century Tuscany. He was admired by Dante Alighieri, who granted him honor in the Divine Comedy, even though he placed Guerra in Hell among sinners of sodomy. thumb The Battle of Montaperti, where Guido and the Guelphs suffered a defeat at the hands of the Ghibellines in 1260. They would return in 1266. The Battle of Benevento, where Guido lead the Guelphs in the retaking of Florence in 1266. Sculpture of "The Three Shades" by Rodin, depicting Guerra, Aldobrandi, and Rusticucci in Hell.

Biography

Background Descended from the house of Conti Guidi, Guerra was the son of Count Marcovaldo and Beatrice degli Alberti di Capraia, and grandson of Guido Guerra IV and Gualdrada de' Ravignani. He succeeded his father as head of the Dovadola branch of the family in 1229. Guerra was connected with the Catholic Church, as his political faction believed in the power of the Church, and he was supported and encouraged by Pope Innocent IV. After the battle, Guerra found refuge in nearby Romagna until he was able to return. As such, their punishment is to run around on burning sand as they were unable to obey God's commandments regarding reproduction, misusing it for their own pleasure. They run under a rain of fire, a reflection upon the unnatural nature of their acts.

Dante grants Guerra, Aldobrandi, and Rusticucci a measure of respect, and is moved by their suffering. He portrays them "good" men condemned to Hell.