City and Community in Norman Italy

This study of urban society in twelfth-century Norman Italy challenges traditional views that the Normans stifled urban development.

Paul Oldfield (Author)

9780521898041, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 March 2009

312 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.61 kg

"...a compelling revisionist interpretation of the evolution of urban life in southern Italy during the high Middle Ages." -David J. Hay, Canadian Journal of History

Thisstudy of urban society in twelfth-century mainland Norman Italy examines the self-governing role of urban communities and explores their social ordering, identities and communal activities. Drawing on charters, chronicles, annals and other sources, Paul Oldfield uncovers notable continuities in a range of cities across southern Italy throughout a period of regime change and disruption. Unlike traditional interpretations which suggest that the Normans, and the creation of a monarchy in 1130, stifled urban development, this book suggests that south Italian urban communities were still able to enjoy a level of autonomy under the Norman monarchy. By emphasising the fluidity of the social structures and groups found in these cities, alongside the influential role of both the Church and civic consciousness, the author sheds light on the multi-layered complexity of the urban communities of Norman Italy and provides a more balanced comparison with the cities of northern Italy.

Introduction
Part I. Urban Government and Communal Independence: 1. Before 1085: the arrival of the Normans
2. The fragmentation of power (1085–1127)
3. Civil war and unification (1127–39)
4. The Norman kingdom of Sicily (1139–89)
5. From the Normans to the Staufen (1189–1220)
Part II. Urban Society: Community, Identity and Wealth: 6. Populations, cultural identity and citizenship
7. The community
8. The Church, bishop and civic identity
9. The urban economy
Conclusion
Appendix
Map of southern Italy
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], Medieval history [HBLC1], European history [HBJD]