This institution only served at the moment to inflame and imbitter the resistance of the Communes: but the title of Podesta was subsequently conferred upon the official summoned to maintain an equal balance between the burghers and the nobles.

He was invariably a foreigner, elected for one year, intrusted with summary jurisdiction in all matters of dispute, exercising the power of life and death, and disposing of the municipal militia.

The old constitution of the Commune remained to control this dictator and to guard the independence of the city.

All the Councils continued to act, and the Consuls were fortified by the formation of a College of Ancients or Priors.

The Podesta was created with the express purpose of effecting a synthesis between two rival sections of the burgh.