Cola di Rienzi
Rienzi, Cola di, the assumed name of Niccolo Gabrini, (1313-1354), an Italian revolutionist. He was dictator of Rome for two brief periods. Rienzi, called “the last of the Romans,” believed it was his destiny to restore the ancient grandeur of Rome and make it the capital of a united Italy. He is mainly recalled, however, as an eccentric leader who himself became a tyrant after promising to free the people from the tyranny of others.
Rienzi was the son of a Roman tavern keeper, and hated the dissolute nobles who ran the city and oppressed the people. With the support of Pope Clement VI he overthrew the nobles in 1347. Rienzi assumed the title tribune (defender of the people), but his love of pomp caused the people to turn against him. He offended the pope, who branded him a criminal and a heretic. Rienzi abdicated after ruling only seven months.
Pope Innocent VI, Clement's successor, sponsored Rienzi's return to Rome in 1354 in a move against the nobles. Rienzi again became Rome's ruler, but was murdered two months later.