Individuals

Alternate Names: woolworker; lanaiuolo; lanarius

A standard-bearer of the urban militia who also served on one of the two primary advisory colleges (<i>collegi</i>) of the Signoria. From around 1304, nineteen <i>gonfalonieri di Compagnia</i> were drawn from the city’s six <i>sestieri</i>. Following the reorganization of 1343, their number was reduced to sixteen, one from each <i>gonfalone</i> of the four new quarters, and their <i>collegio</i> became known as the Sixteen (<i>Sedici</i>).

Online Tratte Code: 16

Together with the <i>gonfaloniere di giustizia</i> the priors constituted the Signoria, Florence's principal executive magistracy. Legislation was initiated by the Signoria in consultation with the two advisory colleges (<i>collegi</i>). Their number changed over time but was established at eight after 1343, with two representatives per quarter. The officeholders, collectively known as <i>signori</i>, were assisted by a notary (<i>notaio della Signoria</i>). Serving in the priorate was the highest honor a family could achieve in Republican Florence.

Online Tratte Code: 8

One of eight consuls governing the Wool Guild, elected for four-month terms beginning in January, May, or September. Consuls were drawn from four purses (<i>borse</i>) representing four city districts (<i>conventi</i>): S. Pancrazio (western district), Oltrarno (southern), S. Martino (northern), and S. Piero Scheraggio (eastern).

Online Tratte Code: 24

A ten-man extraordinary magistracy established in 1383 to direct the Republic’s military affairs and conduct of war, with responsibility for foreign policy and military operations.

Online Tratte Code: 10

One of eight consuls governing the Wool Guild, elected for four-month terms beginning in January, May, or September. Consuls were drawn from four purses (<i>borse</i>) representing four city districts (<i>conventi</i>): S. Pancrazio (western district), Oltrarno (southern), S. Martino (northern), and S. Piero Scheraggio (eastern).

Online Tratte Code: 24

Established in 1308, a Florentine association with jurisdiction over commercial affairs, initially governed by representatives of five major guilds—the Merchants, Bankers, Wool, Silk, and Doctors and Apothecaries—with a representative of the minor guilds added in 1372.

Online Tratte Code: 6

A member of one of the two primary advisory colleges (<i>collegi</i>) known as the Buonuomini. They discussed legislation in consultation with the Signoria, and after 1321 their number was standardized at twelve with two representatives from each <i>sestiere</i>; after 1343, three from each quarter.

Online Tratte Code: 12