the name of a celebrated faction in Italy, which was opposed to that of the Guelphs. Their origin is involved in some obscurity; but according to the generality of authors they arose about the year 1240, upon the excommunication of the emperor Frederick II. by pope Gregory IX. The Ghibelines were in favour of the emperor, while the Guelphs adhered to the pope. Authors are at variance respecting the precise date and cause of their origin. Mainbourg says that they arose in consequence of a quarrel between two ancient and illustrious houses on the confines of Germany—that of the Henris of Gibeling, and that of the Guelphs of Adorf. However this may be, their feuds long distracted Italy, so that the history of that country for the space of several centuries is little more than a detail of their mutual violence and slaughter. For further particulars see ITALY, and Guelphs.