The Logic of Political Conflict in Medieval Cities

Late medieval cities, including Verona, were characterized by political systems where conflict was not merely disruptive but an integral part of governance. This study reveals that urban conflicts during the 14th and 15th centuries in Italy and Southern Low Countries were embedded within polycentric political orders, involving multiple units like guilds and external agencies. These conflicts shaped distinct political organizations across cities such as Bologna, Florence, Verona, Liège, Lille, and Tournai, demonstrating that conflict was a legitimized and strategic component of urban politics. The research highlights diverse strategies for addressing conflict, including modes of behavior and forms of association, which varied significantly between cities.

Lantschner, P. (2015). The Logic of Political Conflict in Medieval Cities. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198734635.001.0001