Benchmarking the Middle Ages: fifteenth century Tuscany in European perspective

The article presents GDP estimates for fifteenth century Tuscany, based on the 1427 Florentine Catasto. In per capita GDP, Tuscany was only slightly above England and Holland. Furthermore, when compared to England and Holland, Tuscany was characterized by high extractive rates in favor of Florence, to the detriment of the subdued cities and the countryside, and by subsequent market blockades. This may explain why previous estimates, partly based on the construction wages in Florence, can lead to an overestimate of GDP. It may also explain the exceptional artistic blossoming of fifteenth century Florence, despite only a small lead in average GDP.

Automated summary

The article provides GDP estimates for 15th century Tuscany based on the 1427 Florentine Catasto. Tuscany's per capita GDP was only slightly higher than England and Holland. However, it was characterized by high extractive rates favoring Florence, to the detriment of other cities and the countryside, as well as subsequent market blockades. This may explain previous overestimations of GDP and shed light on the exceptional artistic flourishing of 15th century Florence despite its marginal lead in average GDP.