History Commons^™

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Fifteenth-century diplomatic protocol required the city of Florence to send diplomats to congratulate both new and militarily victorious rulers.  Diplomats on such missions poured praise on their triumphant allies and new rulers at friendly locations.  However, political realities also meant that these diplomats would sometimes have to praise rulers whose accession or victory opposed Florentine interests.  Moreover, different allies and enemies required different levels of praise.  Jealous rulers compared the gifts, status, and oratory that they received from Florence to the Florentine entourages sent to their neighbors.  Sending diplomats with too little or too much social status and eloquence could …

Biondo Flavio was an erudite and prolific humanist writer who began his literary career in the 1430's and continued producing latin works until his death in 1463. Scholars have attributed Biondo with primary roles in the development of archaeology, topography, historical research, historical criticism, and historical periodization. His writings themselves influenced the content and approach of scholars across Europe for centuries.

Illaria Pescini's book provides a detailed inventory of the communal archive of San Casciano Val di Pesa, which contains documents relevant to a territory traditionally under the control of Florence and located southwest of the city. These documents contain information on both local rule and the relationship of the area with the central administrative authority in Florence. Pescini provides a historical summary of the archive and the territory related to it with particular emphasis on its institutional history.