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The issue of citizenship regains all its intensity with the formation of the Italian Communes at the end of the 11th Century and the beginning of the 12th Century. This does not mean that the term civis was unknown in Italian towns in the South of the Peninsula, but they were never able to liberate themselves from the hold of the Norman, Suevian or Angevin ' and later Aragonian ' royal power. In those towns that claimed the status of City States after the Peace of Constance, the citizen was someone who had lived in the town for some time (5 to 10 years) as an owner or tenant, paid tax there and performed military service, on horseback or on foot, depending on his wealth. Recognized as a citizen after swearing an oath, he could participate in the popular assembly, which was responsible for the election of magistrates and for major political decisions. As of the 14th Century, with the creation of principalities, proceedings changed and lawyers were then careful to define the social status of those who resided within the walls as the subjects of the Prince.