 The 14th century is characterized by the rule of Smeducci, a local family of mercenary captains who maintained their hegemony on the city almost continuously, until they were banished in 1426 by the pope.By nature allied to the Guelphs, but more often as opportunists, the Smeducci lords were often hated by their subjects, who rebelled against them in more than one circumstance.However the Smeduccis were also patron of the arts during a period which witnessed the best artistic achievements in San Severino, with the Salimbeni brothers and Lorenzo d'Alessandro as the most creative exponents.