Mentalities and behaviours of the Feudal class of Corfu during the late Middle Ages
Part of : Balkan studies : biannual publication of the Institute for Balkan Studies ; Vol.39, No.2, 1998, pages 197-221
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197-221
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Since the Greek island of Corfu passed under the rule of western powersin 1258, social phenomena analogous to the ones met with in contemporaryItaly were developped in the local society.In this paper the author traces the origins of the formation of the rulingclass of Corfu in the late middle ages. The ephemeral political activities of thelocal aristocracy is considered as a result of its insecurities about its future,while special reference is made to the initial unfitness of its members to adjusttheir feudal mentalities and behaviours with the new, professedly democratic,rule of Venise. As with the boost of trade in Corfu the emerging bourgeoisclass claims a more prominent role in the local society, new insecurities seemto imperil the social prevalence of the aristocracy. Consequently its members try to keep the organised Communitas Corphiensis under their control, withthe purpose to safeguard their privileged status in the local society.
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