Principat, communauté et individu au bas Moyen Âge. Cultures politiques dans l’État de Milan

In the Lombardy of the Late Middle Ages an animated political debate concerned the legitimacy of territorial bodies. The rhetoric of principality attacked the values of the communal tradition that since the thirteenth century had developed in the city and country: the unity of community, the institutional profile of its structures and the ideal equality among its members. Ducal officers criticized the chaotic nature and the negative passions of local public life. On the other hand, the social distinction and the public role of individuals (particularly of local leaders) were promoted. On the contrary, territorial bodies defended with success the practices and model of community cohesion, in political decision and representation, and always stressed the collective identity of village or town population.