14세기 후반 피렌체 상인 계층의 부동산 투자와 그 함의: 추리안니(i Ciurianni)와 코보니(i Covoni) 가문을 중심으로

This article attempts to find out the intention of investment in real estate of Florentine merchants in the fourteenth century Florence examining two merchant families: the Ciurianni and the Covoni, who both had large number of transactions in property market of Florentine contado. The Ciurianni, originated from Rignano, after a severe financial crisis during the mid-14th century caused by business failure, ended up with losing all of its homeland property, which meant not only economic loss but also cultural one with respect to their family identity. From the 60s of the century, the Ciurianni, who had always aspired to reconstruct their patrimony, decided to dedicate themselves to the Valdelsa area, instead of Rignano, thereby constructing an extensive property unit where could be their brand new family base. The Covoni, of plebeian origin, had remained in the margin of Florentine political and economic world, working in the field of small lending operation. When they had a political success thanks to ardent activities in politics in the later 14th century, the Covoni jumped into the property market without hesitation and obtained numerous properties, in particular within the Pontassieve area. In fact, they followed the practice of major merchant families of Florence who had family base in the contado. In conclusion, the investment in real estate, for the Ciurianni, was an effective means of restoring their family tradition and identity; for the Covoni, on the other hand, it functioned as consolidation of their social status which became higher than in the past years.