Representations of collective action in Mantua and Parma, c.1000-c.1120

A refined understanding of social structures in medieval Northern Italian cities emerges from this study, challenging the long-standing application of Keller's Ständeordnung model. By analyzing political and rhetorical strategies in Mantua and Parma between c.1000 and c.1120, the research demonstrates that collective urban action was not strictly confined to the three social groups—capitanei (high nobility), valvassores (low nobility), and populus (non-nobles)—as previously thought. Instead, it reveals a more fluid participation across these groups, influenced by evolving political needs and rhetorical techniques. This novel comparative case study approach offers deeper insights than regional surveys, suggesting that the Ständeordnung model may require redefinition for cities with similar documentation and political contexts in Northern Italy.

Houghton, R. (2013). Representations of collective action in Mantua and Parma, c.1000-c.1120. University of St Andrews. https://doi.org/10.17630/10023-3612