The Corso-Donati feud was a significant conflict that took place in Florence during the late 13th and early 14th centuries, deeply entwined with the broader political and social turmoil of the time, particularly the Guelphs and Ghibellines struggle.
The feud primarily involved two powerful Florentine families, the Donati and the Corso-Donati, who were initially allies but later became bitter enemies due to political ambitions and personal rivalries. This conflict was exacerbated by the broader factional strife between the Guelphs, who supported the Papacy, and the Ghibellines, who backed the Holy Roman Emperor. The Donati family was predominantly Guelph, while the Corso-Donati, although from the same lineage, often aligned with the Ghibelline cause due to internal family disputes.
The Corso-Donati feud had profound effects on Florentine politics and society:
The feud's legacy is evident in the literature and history of Florence. Notably, Dante Alighieri was influenced by these events, mentioning figures from both families in his works, including the Divine Comedy, where Corso Donati appears in Inferno.