Frederick I Destroys Milan (1162)

Timeline

1. 1162Northern Italy · LombardyDuring Frederick I's second Italian campaign (from 1158), Milan rebelled again and was besieged. On March 6, 1162 the city opened its gates and surrendered, placing itself entirely at imperial disposal. This was the conclusion of the second campaign, not the fifth (1174–1178).
2. 1162Milan · MilanAbout three weeks after Milan's surrender, the emperor ordered most of its walls and buildings demolished and the residents dispersed. Brescia, Piacenza, and other cities promptly submitted. The atrocity instead contributed to the formation of the Lombard League of 1167.