Captain of the people (Italian:capitano del popolo) was an administrative title used inItaly during theMiddle Ages, established essentially to balance the power and authority of the noble families of theItalian city-states.^[1]

It was created in the early 13th century when thepopulares, the increasingly wealthy classes of commoners (merchants, professionals, craftsmen and, in maritime cities, ship-owners) began to acquire roles in thecommunal administration of various Italian city-states, and needed a municipal officeholder able to counter the political power of the nobles (calledpotentes), represented usually by thepodestà (a title used for chief magistrates and other top administrators in medieval Italian cities). One of the firstcapitani del popolo was created inBologna in northern Italy, appointed in 1228.

Thecapitano del popolo exercised control of thepodestà, sometimes flanked by two autonomous councils with representatives of localguilds of artisans and craftsmen (Italian:arti e mestieri) and thegonfalonieri, leaders of military units connected with city's parishes.

In theRepublic of Florence, acapitano del popolo existed from 1250 as part of the attempt to free the city from the rule ofFrederick II.^{[clarification needed]}

Such office also existed in the early stages of theRepublic of Genoa, that electedGuglielmo Boccanegra as its firstcapitano del popolo in 1257.

Towards the second half of the 13th century, however, the communal title ofcapitano del popolo became a breeding ground fordespotism and hereditary lordship. By gaining control of the election process for choosing the title-holder, many influential families (including aristocrats that the establishment of this office had contributed to keeping out of power) gained control over their cities and towns of residence, thus assuring their long-lasting influence and progressively transforming thecomune into asignoria (i.e. lordship).

• Captains Regent

• Giuliano Milani (2005).I comuni italiani (in Italian). Laterza.