Ian Robertson has written a history of the power struggle between Pope Paul II (1464-1471) and the commune of Bologna. The political motivations of Paul II are analyzed to show the importance of the state of Bologna to the Papal State and Paul's frustration with the ruling oligarchy. The history of Bologna's governing system is vividly told, with many quotes from primary sources included (in both Italian and English translation). The audience will be historians of Italy's city-states and Renaissance political history.
Author(s): Ian Robertson
Series: Late Medieval and Early Modern Studies, 5
Publisher: Brepols
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 258
Foreword and Acknowledgements ix
Introduction 1
Chapter I: The Political Mind of Paul II and his View of the Bolognese Regime 5
Chapter II: The Bolognese Regime of 1464: 'These 'Sedici' Enjoy ail that City' 25
1. The Evolution of the 'Sedici Riformatori' 31
2. The Older Communal Constitution and its Offices 49
3. Financial Management and Economie Privilege 65
(a) The 'privatization' of Bolognese public finance 66
(b) The concession of privileges and immunities 79
Tax exemptions 79
Subventions and pensions 84
Business concessions 88
(c) Appropriation of the city's fabric, its spaces, and its celebrations 89
(d) Appropriation of the 'contado' 98
4. The Bentivoglio and the 'Bentivoleschi' 113
Chapter III: The Confrontation Between Paul II and Bologna 139
1. The Management of the Public Finances 145
2. The Composition and Functioning of the 'Sedici' 169
Chapter IV: The Impact of Paul II's Intervention in Bolognese Affairs 205
Bibliography 227
Index 239
