What was life in Venice like during the Middle Ages? At the top of that community’s structure one finds the Doge, flanked by councils regulating every feature of civil society. Below them, one finds the varied and often lively world of citizens, comprising both noblemen and plebeians, whose daily activities can often be reconstructed in great detail thanks to an exceptional wealth of sources. This volume pursues precisely this goal, highlighting key topics such as the role of families, private or monumental buildings, trades, clothing, education, and culture. The text also explores apparently secondary features of daily life: games, parties, meals, road maintenance, women (both virtuous and less so) and punishments meted out by the justice system.

Giorgio Ravegnani formerly taught Medieval History and History of Byzantine Italy at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice.