intollamenti

Intollamenti are a type of historical legislation in Italy that emerged in the 15th century as a measure to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country. The term "intolleranza" is derived from the Italian word "intollerare," which means "to tolerate" or "to endure." Intollamenti ordinances were enacted by various Italian city-states, including Venice, Florence, and Genoa, in response to the growing number of foreigners arriving in Italy during the Renaissance period.

These ordinances typically imposed restrictions on the activities and residence of foreigners, subjecting them to certain regulations and taxes. Foreigners were required to register with the local authorities, obtain a permit to stay, and adhere to specific rules regarding their occupation, residence, and behavior. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in penalties, fines, or even deportation.

The primary motivation behind intollamenti was to protect the economic and social interests of the local population, as well as to maintain the political and religious order of each city-state. Intollamenti ordinances also contributed to the development of anti-foreigner sentiment and nationalistic ideas in Italy, as they reinforced the notion that foreign immigrants posed a threat to the local way of life.

Despite their origins, intollamenti have been subject to reinterpretation and reevaluation by historians and scholars, who view them as a reflection of the complex interactions between Italian city-states and the wider European environment during the Renaissance period.