Reinterpreting the Tuscan Economy in the Long Seventeenth Century: New Perspectives for Research from Two Rediscovered Archives

The period from 1628 to 1723 in Tuscan history, which saw significant economic and cultural developments, has been largely overlooked by historians. This lack of interest can be attributed to a general perception that the seventeenth century was a period of decline. However, recent studies and access to new archival sources have revealed a different picture. The Grand Dukes Ferdinando II and Cosimo III introduced innovations that reshaped the socio-economic structure of the Grand Duchy, responding to international events and maintaining a delicate equilibrium. The Tuscan presence on the international stage went through two phases, with the entry of France and the Empire in the second half of the seventeenth century. The Grand Duchy pursued a policy of strict neutrality and focused on maintaining political and economic stability. The economy of seventeenth-century Tuscany experienced both decline and vitality, with the wool industry suffering while the silk industry thrived. Tuscan merchants, such as Ugolino Del Vernaccia and the Adami brothers, played significant roles in international trade, establishing networks and engaging in diverse economic activities. The rediscovery of archival sources, such as the Caccini Del Vernaccia and Adami-Lami archives, provides new perspectives on the Tuscan economy during this period.