I cives malenutriti nel contado bolognese del Trecento

The article focuses on the cives malenutriti, that is, the Bolognese citizens living in the countryside during the 14th century. Despite the name, whose etymology likely stems from the figurative rather than literal meanings of the verb nutrire (to nourish), they constituted a village bourgeoisie of artisans and farmers, likely experiencing demographic and economic growth throughout the century. Their fiscal status was repeatedly renegotiated as governments changed and military expenditures fluctuated. With the reforms of 1393-5, the popular government of Bologna significantly reduced their number and merged them with the nobles, forming a single tax-privileged class of citizens in the countryside.