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One thing I learned in Florence is when the plague came the rich families from Siena and Florence took two different approaches. In Florence, some of the famili
by wil421 8y ago
One thing I learned in Florence is when the plague came the rich families from Siena and Florence took two different approaches. In Florence, some of the families noticed they might not last so they decided to, not sure if distribute wealth is the right word, but they gave a lot to the city and remaining people. They knew it would be needed for rebuilding. Siena did not and according to my guide it’s the reason Florence flourished and Siena became a lesser known city.
- JohnJamesRambo 8y agoThat's fascinating, thanks for sharing it.
- partiallypro 8y agoI have my sincerest doubts this is why Florence flourish and Siena did not. It likely has a lot more to do with trade routes and the Arno river.
- wil421 8y agoThere are many reasons Florence flourished. Another reason Sienna didn’t is because people stopped doing pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Siena relied on these pilgrims and one big thing the banks did was exchange various currencies.
- alehul 8y agoRecommended sources on this? I'd be interested to read a book or article or anything on this period of history :)
- oh_sigh 8y agoA big reason was Spain united with Florence and together took out Siena. If the Italian War went the other way, Siena would have been ascendant and Florence just a subdued duchy.