Rome

Arnold Esch focuses on the period of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, i.e. from the Great Schism in 1378 to the Pontificate of Sixtus IV. in 1484. In this century, a lot happened: the Pope finally secured his power over the city’s characteristically unruly citizens, society and economy revolved around the Papal court; humanists introduced major changes even in Rome and made antiquity appear in a new light. Floods of pilgrims visited the city during the Holy Years, and an increasing number of pious lay women changed the character of Christianity. With its new buildings and great artworks commissioned by Popes and bishops, Rome developed a unique magnetism. The capital of Christianity became a „world hub“ (Gregorovius): whatever happened here mattered to the rest of the world. Arnold Esch explains the cultural, social, and economic contexts and developments, thus perpetuating a long-standing tradition of German historiographical writing on Rome.