Imperial troops besiege Crema. The Teutons lack the technical capabilities to build the necessary large siege engines, so the task falls to the Cremonese, who develop a colossal siege tower that impresses their contemporaries. It has a square base measuring 18 meters on each side and stands 42 meters high. It is surrounded by a double layer of wicker and a layer of leather, and covered by a protective covering. The Cremonese also build two large shelters, known as “gatti,” which lead to the moat, filled with barrels of earth. The defenders move five mangonels and several stone quarries into the area and begin a heavy bombardment of the besiegers. Frederick has several prisoners tied to the tower to prevent the besieged from damaging it. The conflict escalates. Piles of severed heads of Crema residents are built, and Frederick has nine more prisoners hanged in plain sight. The war machine is brought up close to the walls. A “cat” advances from ahead, carrying a massive metal battering ram. Meanwhile, the Cremaschi have built an underground tunnel, allowing them to emerge right next to the battering ram. A brawl breaks out, but in the end, the Cremaschi are defeated and retreat. Meanwhile, the walls of Crema are repaired as best they can with piles of lumber, and the Teutons are unable to enter.
