The most brilliant period of their chequered history, the period which includes the rise of communes, the exchange of municipal liberty for despotism and the gradual discrimination of the five great powers (Milan, Venice, Florence, the Papacy and the kingdom of Naples), now begins.
Colchicum Parkinsoni - A distinct plant, readily distinguished from any of the fore-going by the peculiar chequered markings of its violet-purple flowers.
Similar kinds are Bivonae, variegatum, agrippinum, chionense, tessellatum, all of which have the flowers chequered with dark purple on a white ground.
In modern times the history of the order has been somewhat chequered.
Few towns have had a more chequered or calamitous history.
