Storia Degli Italiani, Vol. 09 (di 15)
''Storia degli Italiani, vol. 09 (di 15)'' by Cesare Cantù is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work dives into the complex evolution of Italian civilization following the fall of the Roman Empire, exploring the fragmented political state of Italy and the intertwining of various social classes. The narrative appears rich with insights into the characters and concepts that defined Italy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly focusing on figures such as Girolamo Savonarola. The opening of the volume sets the stage by discussing the historical context of Italy after the collapse of the Roman Empire. It outlines the disintegration of authority and the rise of feudalism, where local lords had significant power over their territories. Cantù discusses the dual role of the Pope as both a spiritual leader and a political figure, emphasizing the complexities of power dynamics between local barons and emerging cities. The text also hints at Savonarola’s emerging influence by challenging the immoralities present in society and the church, setting the tone for a detailed recount of social and religious transformations in Italy.
About Storia Degli Italiani, Vol. 09 (di 15)
Chapter Summaries
- CXXVII
- Overview of medieval Italian political development and the rise of Savonarola as a reformer in Florence, preaching against corruption and calling for moral and political renewal.
- CXXVIII
- The conspiracy against Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the rise of Lodovico il Moro, and the French invasion of Italy under Charles VIII in 1494.
- CXXIX
- The aftermath of Charles VIII's invasion, the execution of Savonarola in 1498, and the fall of Lodovico il Moro to Louis XII.
Key Themes
- Foreign Domination vs Italian Independence
- The central theme examining how Italian disunity allowed foreign powers to dominate the peninsula, destroying the independence of city-states and principalities.
- Political Realism vs Moral Idealism
- The conflict between Machiavellian realpolitik and traditional Christian morality, embodied in the contrast between figures like Cesare Borgia and Savonarola.
- Religious Reform and Corruption
- The tension between calls for Church reform (Savonarola) and papal corruption (Alexander VI), reflecting broader spiritual crisis in Renaissance Italy.
Characters
- Girolamo Savonarola(protagonist)
- Dominican friar and reformer who preached moral and political reform in Florence. Born in Ferrara in 1452, he became prior of San Marco and led a religious revival movement.
- Lodovico il Moro(major)
- Duke of Milan who invited the French into Italy, leading to decades of foreign domination. Cunning politician who ultimately lost his duchy to Louis XII.
- Alessandro VI (Rodrigo Borgia)(major)
- Spanish pope notorious for corruption and nepotism. Father of Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia, he used the papacy to advance his family's power.
- Cesare Borgia (Duke Valentino)(major)
- Son of Pope Alexander VI, ruthless military leader who conquered much of central Italy through treachery and violence. Machiavelli's model prince.
- Carlo VIII(major)
- King of France whose invasion of Italy in 1494 began the Italian Wars. Young and ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful in his Italian campaigns.
- Luigi XII(major)
- King of France who succeeded Carlo VIII and continued French claims on Milan and Naples. More successful than his predecessor but ultimately failed.
