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Italy and Sicily—
The Boot that Doesn't Fit
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Introduction Sicily –
Prudence Italian Commerce – Economy
Rob Italian City-States – Political Structure
Todd Religion and Papal States
Rhonda
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SICILY:
The Island You
Love to Invade…
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Italian Commerce
and Economy
We hook you up with your spice!
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- Geography - Big Bad Mountains
Alps Apennines
The Boot and its Water Cities
Venice Genoa Florence Rome
Rivers Tiber Po Arno
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- VENICE -
The city with the largest trade Trade with Constantinople
Formerly part of Byzantine Empire Gained trading privileges in 992 and
1082 Strong Navy
Ships instead of horses Assisted Crusader States
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Map
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- Genoa & Florence -
Both in competition with Venice Both traded goods throughout the
Mediterranean and Europe Separated from Venice by mountains,
almost opposite from each other
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- Trade -
Value of the sea Less expensive than land routes Able to travel longer distances Despite sea losses, still more cost
effective Pirates Shipwreck
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The Muslim Connection
Goods from Far East Silk Spices Art Cultural Interchange
Increased Trade within Europe Foodstuffs Fur Cloth Human passengers and slaves
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Italian City-States
Political Structure
Background of Italian Cities
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Holy Roman Empire Frederick of Barbarossa Papacy
Ghibellines versus Guelphs “There were already divisions among the noble
citizens, and these parties already existed because of the quarrels and disputes between church and empire......citizens were divided into factions, some siding with the Buondelmonti, leaders of the Guelf party, and others with the Uberti, leaders of the Ghibellines"--GIOVANNI VILLANI: FLORENTINE CHRONICLE
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City States
Governed by elected consuls Hold office for short duration
Center of power is in urban unit Surrounding area is subject to the
urban government (Contado)
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Contado
Surrounding area controlled by government
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Venice
No contado Government stability
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Turmoil
Upheavals Popolo
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Decline of
Communal Government
Tyrants Signori – hereditary Establish dictatorship Lacking roots in community
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Summary
Unmatched extent of urbanization City was fundamental unit which
determined the nature of government and society
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Religion and the Papal States
4th Century endowments Sicily, Sardinia, Ravenna,
Naples, Pentapolis (Rimini, Ancona, Fano, Pesaro, Senigallia)
Patrimony of Saint Peter Tuscany Avignon
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map
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The Pope Vassal to the emperor Priest, statesman Politics
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Pope Gregory VII
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Pope Innocent III
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Papal Power
Excommunication Crown Kings Depose Kings Secular as well as spiritual
ruler Command armies Collect taxes
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13th Century Papacy
Conflict with Holy Roman Emperors
Independence of Papal States
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The End!