Spatial Fluidity and Informal Places for Politics in Southern Italy Between the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period

Abstract

This article will consider the polycentric topography of politics in the centres of southern Italy between the late Middle Ages and the Early Modern period. The institutional fluidity which characterized the universitates of the Kingdom of Naples determined the use of different types of ‘informal’ spaces by the municipal bodies which administered the cities via groups of local elites and royal officials. These included wide, hybrid spaces, such as city squares and markets, smaller structured spaces such as the open loggias and archways, as well as shops and taverns. Within a context of ‘spatial fluidity’ which implied the parallel use and interchange of such spaces, the article will look to the use of spolia, namely ancient sculptures and inscriptions, and of new all’antica artistic and architectural features to confer administrative and juridical authority to spaces that were intended to host multiple functions.