Beneficium civitatis. Considerazioni sulla funzione economica e sociale dell'arte della lana in Italia (secoli XIII-XV)

This essay focuses on the different functions of the wool industry in the cities of late medieval Italy. At that time the production of woolen fabrics was by far the most important manufacture. It produced wealth and fame; it employed a large part of the people, artisans and wage earners, especially the subordinate workers. For the ruling class, the increase in the wool industry meant to reduce social tensions and prevent riots: it was truly a beneficium civitatis.