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Medieval Society

Merchants

MERCHANTS These, too, were organized into guilds. Even here, there was a world of difference between those who bought and sold locally, and those who dealt in regional or internation markets.

Local Merchants and Retailers druggists, fishmongers, peddlars of all types, dealers in second-hand goods. These typically bought locally or from local wholesalers and sold only to the town and environs.

The Great Merchants These specialized in long-distance trade and often engaged also in finance. Social functions of Guilds When a member died, his fellows would bury him and care for his widow and children. When he was sick, they would help; if he became destitute, they would help. Even if he were imprisoned, the guild might come to his aid.

They also participated as a guild in city festivals.

Cultural functions Contributed as a guild to the local churches; sponsored religious festivals, and performed charitable acts such as visiting the sick and prisoners. Wealthier guilds built chapels.

CULTURAL LIFE OF THE CITIES FESTIVALS AND OTHER RECREATION Every guild participated in the city parades, which occurred on several religious holidays throughout the year. Celebrated the founding day or the day of some great victory or the patron saint's day.

The charivari let off steam. Festival included other things like the horse races of Siena or the running of the bulls in Pamplona. Gambling and drinking were big. Every guild had its club night. Bathhouses were popular for socializing.

HIGH CULTURE The great cathedrals were here The Renaissance occurred exclusively in the cities The universities were here

THE GEMEINDENUTZ Solidarity among the citizenry Everything was for the common weal, at least officially

DOMESTIC POLITICS THE CITY COUNCIL Composed of the leading families Later of the leading guilds

MAYORS AND OTHER RULERS Sometimes elected Also could be a bishop A royal appointee, like in France or a podest

THE URBAN REVOLTS OF THE 14TH CENTURY Ciompi revolt Augsburg's gemtlich revolution

SUMMARY Towns became a major factor in European history in the later Middle Ages Had their own political forms and their own culture Were strongest in Germany and Italy, two countries with weak or non-existent kings

PATRICIANS The urban nobility of the Middle Ages were often called the "patriciate." You should not confuse this term with the same word as it applies to the Romans. Both refer to an urban noble class, but I don't want you thinking Romans here.

Initially very much separate from the merchant class, medieval patricians in the later middle ages did marry merchants and the two groups mingled somewhat. Having a title was still the pinnacle of the social ladder in a city, so merchants were highly motivated to arrange a match with someone in the nobility.

Political Power
Most of those on the city council were from the patriciate. In many cities, the council was legally restricted to the nobly-born, who also served as diplomats and ambassadors on behalf of their city. Social Power
They dictated fashion and conduct. They often formed clubs: those who belonged were in the patriciate; those who didn't, weren't. They were very much the minority: 2 or 3 percent.