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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!