Storia Delle Repubbliche Italiane Dei Secoli Di Mezzo, V. 06 (of 16)
1906
Storia Delle Repubbliche Italiane Dei Secoli Di Mezzo, V. 06 (of 16)
1906
A historical account written in the early 19th century. The book delves into the political climate and societal conditions of 14th century Italy, focusing on the rise and fall of various Italian republics amidst turmoil, including famines, plagues, and political strife. Sismondi’s work offers insights into the moral decay of political leadership and the impact of warfare on the populace. The opening of the volume covers a period plagued by severe famine and the devastating outbreak of the Black Death. Through an examination of events from 1347 to 1350, Sismondi describes how these calamities intensified existing political tensions, particularly in cities like Pisa, where factions arose amidst the chaos. He explores the consequences of the political intrigue surrounding the power struggles among small princes and the moral corruption that infiltrated the ruling classes, while also detailing how the suffering populace grappled with widespread mortality and deprivation. This detailed and dramatic introduction sets the stage for an extensive exploration of Italy's Republican history during periods of great challenge and transformation.
About Storia Delle Repubbliche Italiane Dei Secoli Di Mezzo, V. 06 (of 16)
Chapter Summaries
- 38
- Describes the devastating famine of 1346-47 followed by the Black Death plague of 1348-50 that killed three-fifths of Europe's population. Chronicles the Hungarian invasion of Naples to avenge King Andrea's murder and the political upheavals in Pisa.
- 39
- Details the papal attempt to reconquer Romagna under Ettore di Durafort, the infamous sale of Bologna by the Pepoli brothers to the Visconti, and the failed Milanese invasion of Tuscany that was stopped at Scarperia.
- 40
- Explores Italian commercial networks in the Eastern Mediterranean, the war between Genoa and Byzantium, and the great naval battle at the Bosphorus where Paganino Doria defeated the Venetian-Catalan fleet.
Key Themes
- Corruption of Power
- The text extensively explores how political power corrupts, from the Visconti's treacherous expansion to the Pepoli brothers' betrayal of Bologna for money.
- Plague and Social Transformation
- The Black Death of 1347-1350 serves as a major turning point, killing three-fifths of Europe's population and fundamentally altering social and political structures.
- Maritime Rivalry and Commerce
- The naval wars between Venice and Genoa represent the struggle for commercial dominance in the Mediterranean and control of Eastern trade routes.
Characters
- Giovanni Villani(major)
- Florentine historian and chronicler who died in the plague of 1348. He was a merchant, member of the supreme magistracy, and author of the most faithful historical account of his time.
- Giovanni Visconti(protagonist)
- Archbishop of Milan who succeeded his brother Luchino. He ruled sixteen of the most powerful cities in Lombardy and sought to expand Visconti power throughout Italy.
- Luchino Visconti(major)
- Former ruler of Milan who died in 1349, poisoned by his wife Isabella del Fiesco. Known for his military talents, perfidious politics, and jealous authority.
- Queen Giovanna of Naples(major)
- Queen of Naples accused of murdering her husband Andrea. She fled to Provence during the Hungarian invasion and later returned to reclaim her throne.
- King Louis of Hungary(major)
- Brother of the murdered King Andrea who invaded Naples twice to avenge his brother's death. Eventually made peace with Queen Giovanna.
- Pepoli Brothers (Giovanni and Giacomo)(major)
- Sons of Taddeo who ruled Bologna but sold the city to the Visconti for 200,000 florins, earning universal contempt for this betrayal.
