Like Fathers like Sons: Theories on the Origins of the City in Late Medieval Florence
Stefano U. Baldassarri
Like Fathers like Sons:Theories on the Origins of City in Late Medieval Florence Stefano U. Baldassarri Accounts origins a city are crucial to development community's identity. By tracing nature their forefathers, members social body establish series models and values which they will constantly turn times war peace. Because importance, theories concerning foundation inevitably subject continuous variations; unending changes faithfully reflect mutable features goals society. Such phenomena common all Italian cities late Middle Ages early Renaissance, period when communes peninsula freed themselves from control foreign emperors ecclesiastic authorities before falling prey growing power local families. Owing her rich culture distinctive political history, however, provides unique case for both variety approaches an abundance documents.1 As medieval chronicles report, momentous legacy ancient Rome has marked history since very foundation.2 [End Page 23] This feature, underscoring love liberty that Florentines have always believed be peculiar people, is already clear anonymous Chronica de origine civitatis, first known source Florence.3 Composed between end twelfth years thirteenth century, follows typically pattern describing beginning world coming relate Florence. last section book fundamental importance later city. There author re-elaborates famous legends strives validate them by resorting equally well-known sources. explains why, despite several important additions I point out course this study, account reported contains what bulk versions birth humanism. For understanding subject, it thus necessary report somewhat detail Chronica's The connects two main factors: existence nearby village Fiesole suppression Catiline's conspiracy best Roman generals 63 BC.4 regards Fiesole, writes Atlas (whom he considers European king) founded hamlet most wholesome place, chosen his wise astronomer Apollo. After (the Europe, according conveniently biased etymology: "fiat sola") wife Electra blessed with three children (all males, course!): Italus, Dardanus, Sicanus. youngest brothers, Sicanus leaves native few men; eventually arrives Sicily, where rule as king. Italus instead, interrogate Gods about destiny. response must remain extend 24] over neighboring regions, whereas Dardanus leave distant land. With select men, takes sea finally reaches shores Asia Minor. founds Troy—as Virgil himself attests (Aen. VIII.134–37)—on site carefully aged deeds Atlas's sons connect Fiesole—and, consequently, too, we shall soon see—to rest Italy Trojan myth, giving Tuscan at once reason cultural pride justification territorial expansion. Moreover, within economy Dardanus's Troy offers opportunity insert digression caused destruction noble Asian facts followed. In brief, almost annalistic style, comes touch upon Aeneas's travels, foundation...
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