This was in 1202.

An encounter took place in the plain about half way between the two cities, not far from _Ponte San Giovanni_.

Assisi was defeated, and Francis, who was in the ranks, was made prisoner.[31] The treachery of the nobles had not been universal; a few had fought with the people.

It was with them and not with the _popolani_ that Francis, in consideration of the nobility of his manners,[32] passed the time of his captivity, which lasted an entire year.

He greatly astonished his companions by his lightness of heart.