Rienzi
The story of the opera is set in Rome and is based on the life of Cola di Rienzi (1313–1354), a medieval Italian populist figure who manages to trick the nobles and their followers.  He helps the people to get power.  At first he is very popular, but then he has to use force against the nobles, and the Church turns against him.  In the end the ordinary people burn the Capitol where Rienzi and his friends are sheltering.