Frangipani

Frangipani, an illustrious Roman house, whose authentic history goes back to 1014, and which played an important part in the quarrels of the Guelphs and Ghibellines in the 12th and 13th centuries. They fortified the Colosseum, and included the arch of Titus and part of the Palatine in their castles. One of the most notable of the family was Giovanni Frangipani, lord of Astura, who captured Conradin (q. v.) of Swabia in 1268, and delivered him to his enemies. A branch of the Frangipani still flourishes in the province of Udine. The Croatian family of the same name claim descent from the great Roman barons, but are really of Slav origin, their title being properly Frankopan ('Frank the lord').