1. plural of podesta: chief magistrates or governors in medieval Italian city-states
Usage: historical

Examples

• The podestas were appointed to govern the Italian communes during the 13th century.
• Many podestas came from foreign cities to ensure impartial rule.
• The role of podestas was crucial in maintaining order in medieval Italian politics.
• Florence appointed several podestas from other regions to avoid local conflicts.
• The podestas typically served one-year terms in their appointed cities.
• Historical records show that podestas often faced challenges from local noble families.