Question: who did the lombard league give the most power to
Answer: In Italy the breakaway from their feudal overlords occurred in the late 12th century and 13th century , during the Investiture Controversy between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor : Milan led the Lombard cities against the Holy Roman Emperors and defeated them , gaining independence ( battles of Legnano , 1176 , and Parma , 1248 ; see Lombard League ) .