Background Friulian Revolt of 1511

1 background

1.1 discontent in friuli near beginning of 16th century
1.2 first popular uprisings
1.3 coalitions on eve of tuesday of abundance 1511

background
the discontent in friuli near beginning of 16th century

after less century of venetian occupation of land of friuli discontent caused heavy privileges practiced clergy , nobility started spreading out among population; worsen situation noble families in constant war between themselves, caused increase of taxes, devastation of territory , necessity serve in master s army.

by 16th-century, venetian republic had never granted friuli same status other mainland domains (domini di terra), considered territory important buffer against ottoman armies. second class status of region reflected in paucity of investments in rural region social , economical development.

that led isolation of region in cultural , linguistic terms venice, , absence of communal governance structures. exasperated discontent of peasant communities in still feudal rural area. situation, local nobility, deprived of former power government of venice, tried maintain social status exploiting remaining rights , demanding services peasants.

the first popular uprisings

the first tumults began 1509 when crowd of armed peasants took possession of castle in sterpo, chased out inhabitants , set on fire. last act of clash had been dragged on time between inhabitants of virco, flambro , sivigliano against aristocratic colloredo family, owners of castle, accused of usurping community s pastures , woods own advantage.

it event raised public opinion since various years region shaken disputes , skirmishes stirred peasants against nobility, families, soldiers, servants or representatives (clashes occurred spilimbergo, maniago, valvasone, portogruaro, colloredo, tarcento).

in 1510, group of friulan noblemen returning venice had asked greater protection against disorders. intercepted , chased away group of armed peasants @ height of zompicchia (the ambush of malazumpicchia).

coalitions on eve of tuesday of abundance 1511

the savorgnan, aristocratic family of udine, had been declared filovenetian, took advantage of disorders personal gain. politics based on patronage system sistema clientelare tied them directly population. granted within jurisdictions rights peasants or conferred old customs of lands exploitation such. in case of crop failure opened stores starving population, provided loans, listened neighborhood vicinie representatives opinion. protection system intentionally created real clan, members became known zamberlani , identified charismatic figure of antonio savorgnan, close venetian rulers nominated general commander of cernide, armed peasants militias (called in case of war). faction opposed strumieri took possession of great part of old friulan nobility not tolerate serenissima members attempts hold on powers; @ head of them members of della torre family, sworn enemies of savorgnan family since 1339. strumieri gained support of anti-venetian austrian empire.