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Revolt of the Ciompi

Type Event Region Europe Time 1378

In July–August 1378 Florence's lower-class wool combers (ciompi) and small workshop masters rose in revolt against heavy taxes and guild exclusion.

Timeline

  1. 1378Florence government palace (Palazzo Vecchio) · FlorenceCiompi, small workshop masters and unorganized workers, led by figures such as Michele di Lando, took up arms and occupied the Palazzo Vecchio (government palace), driving out some aristocratic officials. The rebels demanded tax relief, recognition of their guild status and a share in municipal government.
  2. 1378Florence · TuscanyThe authorities were forced to establish three new guilds—combers, dyers and tailors—and briefly include them in the government. From August, aristocratic factions such as the Albizzi, together with guild elites, launched a counterattack, progressively stripping the new guilds of power. By late August the revolt was fully suppressed, and most leaders were exiled or executed.

Sources