The economic dynamics in Agrigento in the Middle Ages, the working conditions and agricultural exchanges that defined the economic history of the Sicilian city
Introduction
During the fourteenth century, economic interactions between Palermo and Agrigento were remarkably integrated and vital, influenced largely by the management of the Chiaromonte family, who exercised significant control over both cities. This summary aims to explore the economic situation of Agrigento in this period, with a particular focus on work dynamics, internal migratory flows and the resulting economic implications.
Economic complementarity between Agrigento and Palermo
The two cities showed significant economic complementarity. Agrigento, with its fertile soils, was an essential supplier of wheat to Palermo, contributing critically to the production of bread, a staple of the diet in Palermo. In exchange, Palermo provided Agrigento with access to luxury goods, such as expensive fabrics imported from abroad. This interdependence highlights the economic integration between the two cities under the dominion of the Chiaromonte.
Mobility and citizens’ rights
The phenomenon of mobility between Agrigento and Palermo was facilitated by obtaining Palermo citizenship, which offered significant privileges such as tax exemptions and the right to be judged only by local courts. However, the transfer of citizenship was not always simple or welcome, as the original cities, such as Agrigento, resisted losing important taxpayers, showing underlying tensions in the urban mobility system.
Impact of the Chiaromonte and the post-Chiaromonte situation
The Chiaromonte influence was profound, establishing an administrative and economic structure that benefited both cities. After their fall from the political scene, mobility between Agrigento and Palermo continued to be robust, especially for the working classes who sought better opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector. This suggests that, despite political changes, key economic structures and opportunities remained attractive.
Work and working conditions
The document details various aspects of agricultural work and other services among Agrigento migrants in Palermo. Agrigento farmers, often employed in fields, vineyards and vegetable gardens, had contracts that often lasted a year, with salaries that varied depending on the specific work performed and the seasons. These contracts were essential to avoid disputes and ensure the protection of workers’ rights. Furthermore, work in the highly profitable sugar industry attracted workers from all over Sicily, showing how certain industries could significantly influence migration and work patterns.
Conclusions
Overall, economic relations between Agrigento and Palermo in the Middle Ages were characterized by strong interdependence and labor mobility, with Agrigento playing a crucial role in the regional economy thanks to its agricultural resources. Despite political and administrative challenges, economic mobility and the search for better job opportunities continued to define the dynamic between the two cities, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of their medieval economies.
