The Aristocrazia Consolare

Abstract

Chapter 4 turns to the urban aristocracy, the aristocrazia consolare, with an in-depth study of the aristocracy of Pisa, a city chosen for the richness of its sources and the power of its historiography. It begins with the growth and topography of the medieval city and moves on to discuss the establishing of the commune and the context in which this took place. The characteristics of the aristocrazia consolare are discussed in detail, including the range of their material interests. Some attention is given to the aristocracy and the sea. Their individual domination of various areas of the city is examined in detail together with their habitations (torri) and the contribution they made to the growth of the city. City politics are examined and particular attention is given to interpreting the judgement or lodo of Archbishop Daiberto. Cooperation and competition within aristocratic life in the city are given equal attention.