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PISA
Pisa, is
still famous today, not only for its art, but also as a main
University seat (University of 1343 and Scuola Normale Superiore
(Normal Secondary School), purposely built by Napoleon in
1813) probably founded by the Liguri, it then became an Etruscan
centre (4th Century BC), and subsequently occupied by the
Romans and instituted as a colony (179 BC), then finally a
Municipality (89 BC).
Thanks to the activation of the port
(already active during the Imperial era) it took on a relevant
role of a commercial centre. During the high medieval period
it became a free City (10th Century), promoter of a Maritime
Code (Consuetudinary of the Sea, 1075) and therefore a Free
Council (1081). Active during the 1st Crusades (1096-99),
it created a vast network of Empires and ports of call in
the Tirreno and Levante. In conflict with Genoa for supremacy
as a Maritime Republic, it fell into decline due to the defeats
suffered (Battle of the Meloria, 1284). Disturbed by the feuds
between nobility factions (19th Century) and by the economic
crisis (Loss of the Sardi dominions, 1326), it fell under
Visconti domination (1399-1402) and therefore, also that of
the Florentines. After an interment of the port (16th Century),
it developed as a cultural centre (Galilean Schools).
From a historical/religious point of view, Pisa was important
because it developed some Councils, although they weren’t
recognised as Ecumenical Councils. The first (1135), was convened
by Innocenzo II to make headway against the schism of Anacleto
II. The second (25.3-7.8.1409) was an attempt by a few cardinals
to bring back the great schism of the Occident or West: Pope
Gregorio XII and Pope, Benedetto XIII from Avignon, were dismissed
and Alessandro V was elected; the attempt failed because the
two popes did not accept the deposition. The third, known
as the “Conciliabolo of Pisa,” (“Conventicle
of Pisa”), was convened in 1511 by Luigi XII for France,
in an attempt to oppose Pope Giulio II, who replied by convening
the 5th Lateranense Council (1512). This had very few adhesions
and was transferred to Milan, Asti and folded in Lyon in 1512).
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Art City
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