Individuals

Established in 1293, the Standard-bearer of Justice was the highest-ranking magistrate in the Signoria. Like all officers in the Tre Maggiori, he had to be a guild member in good standing but could be elected from any <i>sestiere</i> or quarter.

Online Tratte Code: 1

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

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

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