Republic of Florence
Medieval and early modern republic centered on Florence, Italy.
The Republic of Florence, also known as the Florentine Republic, was a medieval and early modern state centered on the Italian city of Florence in Tuscany. The republic was ruled by a council called the Signoria of Florence, chosen by the gonfaloniere, who was elected every two months by Florentine guild members. During its history, Florence was an important cultural, economic, political, and artistic force in Europe, and its coin, the florin, became the dominant trade coin of Western Europe for large-scale transactions. The republic was also the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- field
- Government, Economics, Culture
- nationality
- Florentine (Italian)
- known_for
- Birthplace of the Renaissance; issuance of the florin coin; rule by the Signoria and Medici faction
Lore & Background
The Florentines formed a commune after Rabodo, Matilda's successor, was killed in a dispute with the city. The republic was ruled by a council known as the Signoria of Florence, chosen by the gonfaloniere, who was elected every two months by guild members.
Reader's Guide
The Republic of Florence holds significance as a major cultural, economic, political, and artistic force in Europe during the medieval and early modern periods. Florence's legacy includes its role in banking, literature (home to Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio), and architecture, with buildings such as the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo della Signoria.
Did You Know?
- The gonfaloniere, the titular ruler of the city, was elected every two months by Florentine guild members.
More in Medieval Europe 1-24
Elsewhere in the Medieval Europe universe
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