Henry VII dies at Buonconvento

August 1313

The Luxembourg emperor, making a final attempt to pacify Ghibelline Italy, succumbed to malaria near Siena. Dante's dream of imperial deliverance died with him, and the poet would never find another political savior. Italy fractured once more into tyrants and communes. Henry's body was carried back to Pisa and interred with stately anguish.