Alberto da Giussano
Legendary knight of the battle of Legnano, likely invented.
Alberto da Giussano (also known as Albert de Giussan in Lombard and Albertus de Gluxano in Latin) is a legendary figure traditionally linked to the Battle of Legnano, fought on 29 May 1176. Some historical research argues that he never actually existed, and that the real commander of the Lombard League in that conflict was Guido da Landriano.
The earliest mention of Alberto da Giussano appears in a chronicle written by the Dominican friar Galvano Fiamma in the first half of the 14th century—about 150 years after the battle. According to Fiamma, Alberto was a knight who fought alongside his brothers Ottone and Raniero. He supposedly led a group called the Company of Death, made up of 900 young knights who swore to fight to the death without lowering their arms. This company was said to have defended the Carroccio (a war wagon) and then charged against the imperial forces of Frederick Barbarossa in the battle’s final phase.
However, contemporary records from 1176 make no mention of Alberto da Giussano or the Company of Death. Fiamma’s account includes several dubious details: for instance, he claims that during the battle three doves rose from the tombs of saints at the basilica of San Simpliciano in Milan and landed on the Carroccio, causing Barbarossa to flee in terror. He also writes that each of the 900 knights was given a gold ring—an unlikely expense for a city strained by war. Other chronicles from the period do not support these stories.
In the past, historians tried to identify Alberto da Giussano with real individuals, such as Albertus de Carathe (Alberto da Carate) or Albertus Longus (Alberto Longo), both of whom signed the pact that founded the Lombard League in Cremona in March 1167. Another possibility is an Alberto da Giussano mentioned in a 1196 appeal to Pope Celestine III about a church-hospital. But these connections remain weak, lacking clear and convincing evidence.
- field
- Legendary military figure
- nationality
- Milanese (Lombard)
- known_for
- Alleged leader of the Company of Death at the battle of Legnano
- mentioned_in
- Chronica Galvanica by Galvano Fiamma (14th century)
Lore & Background
Alberto da Giussano was described by the Dominican friar Galvano Fiamma in the first half of the 14th century as a knight who, together with his brothers Ottone and Raniero, distinguished himself in the battle of 29 May 1176. According to Fiamma, he headed the Company of Death, a military association of 900 young knights who swore to fight until the last breath. The company defended the Carroccio and carried out a charge against the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa. Contemporary sources at the battle do not mention Alberto da Giussano or the Company of Death. Fiamma's chronicles contain inaccuracies and legendary facts, such as three doves causing Barbarossa's flight and 900 gold rings supplied to knights. The toponym 'Carate' is reported incorrectly, and Fiamma invents a second battle in 1177. Historical analyses have confirmed that Alberto da Giussano and the Company of Death never existed. The invention likely aimed to provide the Lombard League with a heroic figure to contrast Barbarossa.
Reader's Guide
Alberto da Giussano is significant primarily as a legendary figure rather than a historical one. His story, first recorded 150 years after the battle of Legnano by Galvano Fiamma, is unsupported by contemporary sources and contains numerous implausible details—such as 900 gold rings, scythed carts, and divine doves. Historical research indicates that the actual military leader of the Lombard League at Legnano was Guido da Landriano, and the heroic resistance around the Carroccio was carried out by municipal infantry. The figure of Alberto da Giussano likely served a symbolic purpose, invented to give the Lombard League a named hero comparable to Barbarossa. His legacy endures in popular culture and local tradition, but scholarly consensus holds that he never existed. The case illustrates how later chroniclers can shape national or civic myths, and how critical historical analysis can separate fact from legend.
Did You Know?
- Alberto da Giussano first appeared in a chronicle by Galvano Fiamma in the 14th century, 150 years after the battle of Legnano.
- Contemporary sources at the battle of Legnano do not mention Alberto da Giussano or the Company of Death.
- According to one historical study, the actual military leader of the Lombard League at Legnano was Guido da Landriano.
- Fiamma's chronicle includes legendary elements such as three doves causing Barbarossa's flight and 900 gold rings given to knights.
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