The feudal principalities: the west (Monferrato, Saluzzo, Savoy and Savoy-Acaia)

During the late Middle Ages, three feudal principalities—Monferrato, Saluzzo, and Savoy—shaped the political landscape of modern Piedmont. While Savoy expanded steadily under its powerful dynasty, Monferrato and Saluzzo faced territorial constraints due to rival powers like France and the Visconti–Sforza state. These dynasties, rooted in rural governance, maintained feudal loyalty to the emperor until 1530, demonstrating a strict and juridically aware approach to feudal investiture. This study clarifies their political dynamics, emphasizing Savoy's strategic position between stronger rivals and its enduring imperial precedence.

Barbero, A. (2012). The feudal principalities: the west (Monferrato, Saluzzo, Savoy and Savoy-Acaia). The Italian Renaissance State, 177–196. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511845697.012