Giovanni Villani

Giovanni Villani ( * before 1276 in Florence, † 1348 ibid of the plague ) was an Italian historian.

The exact year of birth of the chronicler is unknown, as it is documented but no later than 1300 as a partner in the trading company of the Peruzzi, he was at that time at least 24 years old. His father was Villano di di Stoldo Bellincia. Giovanni initially gained commercial experience and was also very successful. The information he received during his work, went into his history ( Cronica ) with a, which thus the character of an exclusively local historical chronicle of Florence lost, although the city was always at the center of the display. He was also active in town politics, but had to abandon the policy in 1331 on charges of embezzlement. At the end of his life he was involved in several financial processes and needed for even a short time in prison ( 1346 ). His historical work was continued by his brother Matteo until his death in 1364. The work is written in the Italian vernacular and represents the Guelf (anti- imperial ) position, though not exaggerated: So Emperor Henry VII, for the Italian expedition Villanis ninth book is an important source is judged overall quite balanced.

However, the work contains some historical errors (partly depending on the user of the sources ), but this does not harm the overall meaning. Not always true, reports of events, and sometimes years information that lay ahead of Villani's own lifetime. For example, he falsely claimed, Otto IV died in 1218 in the Holy Land. In view of Henry VII the month indicating the crossing of the Alps in the fall of 1310, after all specified incorrectly.

Villani was based on the Calculus Florentinus, the usual in Florence until the 1749 annual census. Thus, a new year did not begin on January 1, but on 25 March.

Expenditure

  • Giovanni Villani: Nuova Cronica. Edited by Giovanni Porta, 3 vols Parma 1991 ( online). [ With modified counting the books Villanis. ]
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