The first authentic records of a Parliament, embracing the nobles of the Popolo, the clergy, and the multitude, are transmitted to us by the Milanese Chronicles, in which Heribert figures as the president of a republic.

From this date Milan takes the lead in the contests for municipal independence.

Her institutions like that of the Carroccio, together with her tameless spirit, are communicated to the neighboring cities of Lombardy, cross the Apennines, and animate the ancient burghs of Tuscany.
[1] He was summoned before the Diet of Pavia for having dispossessed a noble of his feud.
Having founded their liberties upon the episcopal presidency, the cities now proceeded to claim the right of choosing their own Bishops.

They refused the prelates sent them by the Emperor, and demanded an election by the Chapters of each town.

This privilege was virtually won when the war of Investitures broke out in 1073.