454 Outlines of European History without towns ; for only when people get together in considerable numbers do they begin to build fine buildings, establish univer- sities and libraries, make inventions and carry on trade, which brings them into contact with other people in their own country and in foreign lands. (See below,' Chapter XXI, for town life.) Italian Towns in the Twelfth Century Lombard towns The towns had never decayed altogether in Italy, and by the time of Frederick Barbarossa they had begun to flourish once more, especially in Lombardy. Such towns as Milan, Verona, and Cremona were practically independent states. Their govern- ment was in the hands of the richer citizens, and the poorer people were not given any voice in city affairs. Compared with
