This article examines the transformation processes of material culture in central-northern It-aly between the 10th and 12th centuries, focusing on the interplay between local and supra-local drivers and their impact on landscapes, economies, and societies. Drawing primarily on archae-ological evidence, integrated with written sources, the study reconstructs changes in both ur-ban and rural contexts, with particular attention to the building sector as a key indicator of eco-nomic and social development. During the 10th century, construction in stone remained limited and largely confined to public, episcopal, and monastic initiatives, within predominantly re-gional economic systems. From the 11th century onward, and especially during the 12th century, a progressive ‘petrification’ of the landscape can be observed, marked by the spread of masonry houses and towers, long-lasting ecclesiastical and civic building campaigns, and the growing centrality of cities. These developments were supported by widespread demographic growth, intensified exploitation of rural resources, and, from the 12th century onward, the expansion of Mediterranean and northern European trade networks. Increasing investment capacity, so-cial mobility, and political competition within emerging communal frameworks fostered the diffusion of shared architectural models, adapted to local conditions, resulting in a profound material and symbolic transformation of medieval society.
University of Pisa, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0003-0586-7968
Chapter Title
Local and supra-local drivers in the transformation processes of material culture. Central-northern Italy between the 10th and 12th centuries
Authors
Federico Cantini
Language
English
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1076-8.21
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
In Search of the High Middle Ages. Change and Continuity in 11th–12th-century Italy
Editors
Alberto Cotza, Giuseppe Petralia
Peer Reviewed
Number of Pages
560
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1076-8
ISBN Print
979-12-215-1075-1
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-1076-8
eISBN (xml)
979-12-215-1078-2
Series Title
Reti Medievali E-Book
Series ISSN
2704-6362
Series E-ISSN
2704-6079