Revolt of the Ciompi

Quick Facts: Who was Revolt of the Ciompi?

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Revolt of the Ciompi

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A major labor uprising among unrepresented workers in the Republic of Florence (1378–1382).

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Origins & Early Life

The Ciompi Revolt ([ˈt͡ʃom.pi], CHOM-pee; Italian: Tumulto dei Ciompi) was a rebellion among unrepresented labourers which occurred in the Republic of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, from 1378 to 1382. Those who revolted consisted of artisans, labourers, and craftsmen who did not belong to any guilds and were therefore unable to participate in the Florentine government. These labourers had grown increasingly resentful over the established patrician oligarchy. In addition, they were expected to pay heavy taxes which they could not afford, forcing some to abandon their homes. The resulting insurrection over such tensions led to the creation of a government composed of wool workers and other disenfranchised workers which lasted for three and a half years.

Career & Major Achievements

The Ciompi Revolt developed in three stages: reform in May and June, the violent "revolution" of the revolt and fighting in mid-July, and the fall of the Ciompi government – the "reaction", at the end of August 1378. These workers' underrepresentation led to their exploitation, low wages, and political impotence. In June 1378 the city's fourteen minor guilds demanded greater representation in civic office from elites – the Signoria. These guildsmen still wanted to keep the Sotto posti, who were low wage textile workers with no guild representation, from forming their own guilds and being able to gain increased political power. To prevent this, the Signoria quadrupled the fee for admittance to the system.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This action sparked indignation and turned the Sotto posti into opponents of the Signoria, aligning them with the lower class Ciompi. On 22 June the Ciompi took up arms for the first time but it was not until 21 July that they violently took over the city's government and forced the Signoria to create three new guilds and grant them political office. Historians commonly highlight a few individuals as central to the events. Representing the middle and upper class was Salvestro de' Medici. Representing the lower class was the mysterious group known as "The Eight (Saints)".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1378: 1378 Milestone — pi], CHOM-pee; Italian: Tumulto dei Ciompi) was a rebellion among unrepresented labourers which occurred in the Republic of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, from 1378 to 1382.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Revolt of the Ciompi

True or False: “The Ciompi Revolt was primarily fueled by disagreements over trade tariffs between the major and minor guilds.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While guild tensions were present, the revolt's primary drivers included heavy taxes, economic grievances, and the lack of political representation for laborers.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexius, Metropolitan of Kiev — Historical peer (Died in 1378) (1378): Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus', guiding Muscovite government through turbulent times.
• Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Died in 1378) (1378): Holy Roman Emperor, King of Bohemia, and patron of the arts during the mid-14th century.
• Louis I of Hungary — Historical peer (Died in 1382) (1382): King of Hungary and Croatia, known for military expansion and Polish union.
• Nicole Oresme — Historical peer (Died in 1382) (1382): Influential French philosopher of the later Middle Ages, known for works on science and economics.

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