Arnold of Brescia

Arnold of Brescia (circa 1100-c. 1155), Italian religious and political reformer and monk, born in Brescia. After studying theology in Paris, where he may have come under the influence of the French philosopher and theologian Peter Abelard, he returned to Brescia and preached against the corruption and greed of the Roman Catholic clergy. Opposed to the ownership of land by the church, he led the citizens of Brescia in rebellion against the authority of Pope Innocent II (reigned 1130-43) and as a result was exiled to France in 1139. Accused by St. Bernard of Clairvaux of being a follower of Abelard, Arnold was condemned by the Council of Sens in 1140 and forced into exile in Zürich. He was compelled to leave Zürich in 1145 as a result of further accusations against him by St. Bernard. Arnold moved to Rome, where he aided in exiling Pope Eugene III. There, under the protection of the insurgent nobility, Arnold reorganized the government of Rome. The pope excommunicated Arnold and returned to Rome, but Arnold retained his popular following in the city, thereby avoiding additional reprisals. In 1155, however, following the interdict placed on the city by Pope Adrian IV, Arnold fled Rome. Arrested by order of Frederick I, the Holy Roman emperor, he was returned to Rome, condemned to death, and hanged.