Geographies of finance and metamorphoses of power: Dynamics of urban transformation during the 15th and 16th centuries in Rome

A significant shift in urban and economic power dynamics emerged during the 15th and 16th centuries, with Rome positioning itself as the central hub of Christianity and international finance. This transformation was driven by strategic financial policies implemented by successive popes, who leveraged the expertise of influential merchant and banker families, such as the Chigi, to monopolize key industries like alum production in Tolfa. Siena's economic strength, rooted in cooperative ventures and mineral wealth, attracted papal attention, further accelerating Rome's rise as a global market leader. The study employs historical accounts and financial records to dissect these dynamics, revealing how geopolitical ambitions and economic strategies reshaped urban landscapes and financial systems during this pivotal period.

Maddaluno, R. (2025). Geographies of finance and metamorphoses of power: Dynamics of urban transformation during the 15th and 16th centuries in Rome. Creation, Transformation and Metamorphosis, 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003260585-17