Sommario
Storia degli Italiani, vol. 09 by Cesare Cantù examines the evolution of Italian civilization from the fall of the Roman Empire, focusing on the fragmentation of power, the rise of feudalism, and the emergence of communes.
It highlights the tension between centralized authority (emperors, popes) and localized powers (barons, cities), with the Church playing a pivotal role in shaping medieval society. The narrative emphasizes the shift from communal liberties to despotic rule, the influence of the Renaissance, and the complex interplay of political, social, and ecclesiastical forces.
A key figure, Girolamo Savonarola, emerges as a reformer, critiquing the moral decay of the Church and society, advocating for spiritual and civic renewal in Florence.