Il feudalesimo

The article revisits the concept of feudalism in the Italian context, challenging its traditional, often misleading definitions. It argues for a clearer distinction between “feudalism” and “lordship”, focusing on how rural lordship shaped Italian society from the 11th to the 16th century. Far from being a medieval leftover, Renaissance lordship was dynamic, diverse, and intertwined with state formation and local power. The essay highlights three major forms of lordship, examines their economic functions, and emphasizes the role of consensus and community structures. Rather than obstructing development, many lords acted as intermediaries or proto-entrepreneurs. Carocci calls for abandoning rigid models of “feudal economy” in favor of nuanced, regional interpretations rooted in historical specificity.