ALLA CORTE DI RE E MARCHESI. I LUOGHI DEL POTERE PUBBLICO A LUCCA E PISA TRA ETÀ LONGOBARDA E XII SECOLO

Abstract

This paper analyzes archaeological data and written sources to reveal the structures of public power that were in operation in the cities of Lucca and Pisa between the 6th and 12th centuries. Its goal is to to characterize their topographical, urban and functional aspects. The comparison between the two cities is inspired by new readings of the excavations conducted in Lucca between 1987 and 2009 (at piazza San Giusto; via del Crocifisso, via San Paolino, and piazzale Verdi), and from the results of the new archaeological research project that is taking place in the San Sisto garden in Pisa, which got underway in 2020. In doing all of this, the paper compares the picture that is emerging from these excavations with the results of other studies on centers of public power in Italy.