piazza

New form of high middle ages (12th century onward): towns

manifestation of a new urban identity in the towns:

old city center during earlier middle ages: cathedral square new city center (12th century)= PIAZZA. contains city hall--- like the Roman forum, center of politics and secular activities

expression of the new urban strivings for autonomy and self-government. powerful guilds are governing cities for mercantile interests. WILL LEAD TO: A NEW KIND OF RELIGIOUS IDENTITY FOR URBAN PROFESSIONS AND THE MORAL THEOLOGY OF COMMERCE HOWEVER: WILL ALSO LEAD TO HERESIES LIKE THAT OF CATHARS AND Waldensians in reaction to the eruptions provoked by mercantile capitalism