At left we see the famous Palazzo Vecchio in the city square in Florence, where the priors met to discuss the business of the city (a panoramic view of the Piazza del Campo in Florence's great rival, Siena, is below). The readings for today are all based on the history of Florence, although the developments there were not necessarily typical of all of Italy. The revolt of the popolo and the issuing of the Ordinances of Justice mark a significant moment in Florentine history, when the city's guilds took a leading role in the framing of the government. We will talk more in class about what a guild is, particularly its structure.

Looking at the second half of King's first chapter, you should be familiar with the meaning of the following terms:

• Commune
• Magnates
• Lombard League
• Popolo
• Guilds
• Guelfs, Ghibellines

Homework Questions

1. Looking first at the Ordinances of Justice, how do the guilds participate in elections of members of the Priorate?
2. What limitations are placed on service on the Priorate? Who can or cannot participate? What do you think the reason is?
3. What does Florence represent to the poets in Bartlett, Latini in particular?
4. What sense do you get of a literary community based on these readings?

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: January 18, 2012

Disclaimer