The Arte della Lana was one of the most significant and influential guilds in medieval Florence, Italy. Here is detailed information about this guild:
During the Middle Ages, Florence emerged as a major center for textile production, particularly for wool. The Arte della Lana was established to regulate and protect this industry, which was crucial for the city's economy. The guild was formally recognized in 1282, although wool trade and production had been part of Florentine life much earlier.
Due to its economic importance, members of the Arte della Lana often held significant political power in Florence. They were part of the Arti Maggiori, the seven major guilds that dominated Florentine politics. This guild's influence was such that it played a role in electing members to the Signoria, the governing body of Florence.
The wool trade was central to Florence's prosperity. The Arte della Lana not only boosted the local economy but also influenced the development of banking, as Florentine bankers often financed the wool trade. The guild's success led to the expansion of the city's financial institutions, like the Medici Bank, which further fueled Florence's economic growth.
The guild began to decline in the 16th century due to several factors:
The Arte della Lana left a lasting legacy on Florence's architecture, art, and urban development. The guild sponsored many of Florence's public buildings and artworks, including the Orsanmichele church, which served as a grain market and later as a guildhall for the Arte della Lana.
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