During the thirteenth century, political life in the city-states of northern Italy began to be dominated by a new breed of political and military leaders, often described as tyrants or despots. By 1300 most cities of northern Italy were under signorial rule. The concept of the signori as tyrannical despots seems to have become current among English historians during the nineteenth century. 'Tyranny' of course has a pedigree as a concept of political analysis that 'despot' lacks. Aristotle elaborated a wide range of tyrannical political actions and strategies. The most notorious of the early 'tyrants', whom later lords were often alleged to imitate, was Ezzelino da Romano. Like the da Romano, the Pallavicino were a typical baronial family, established in the region between Parma and Piacenza, where they held vast territories. Despite the best efforts of the signori themselves, they have been remembered, not for their illustrious achievements, but for their cruelties.