The center of the peninsula, from Ferrara to Terracina, lay at the discretion of the Pope.

The Two Sicilies, Sardinia and the Duchy of Milan, were absolute dependencies of the Spanish crown.

Tuscany was linked by ties of interest, and by the stronger bonds of terrorism, to Spain.

The insignificant principalities of Mantua, Modena, Parma could not do otherwise than submit to the same predominant authority.

It is not worth while to take into account the tiny republics of Genoa and Lucca.