THE HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI. DEVELOPMENT
OF THE FLORENTINE DEMOCRACY.
PAGE

The House of Medici—Original Dwelling-places—The first
Appearance of the Medici—Commencement of the Florentine
Community—The Community and the Imperial Power—Ghibellines
and Guelfs—Consuls and Podestà—Government by a Citizen
Guard—Captain of the People—Flourishing State of the
Town in the Thirteenth Century—Party Factions in the Last
Days of the Hohenstaufen—Decisive Victory over the Guelfs
after King Manfred’s Death—Internal Condition—Foreign
Viceroys—Growth of the Class of Citizens after the Middle of
the Thirteenth Century—Beginnings of the Guild System—The
Seven Great Societies—Government and Magistracy of the
Priors—Democratic Reform of Giano della Bella—Limitation
of the Citizens’ Share in the Government—The Ordinances of
Justice against the Nobility—The Signory, or Upper Governing
Department, and the Councillors—Exercise of the Municipal
Franchise—Parliament—Vain Endeavours for Equality of Power
among the Public Authorities 3