Sources for the history of the economy of Novigrad from the 14th century to the fall of Venice (1797) in the Historical Archive in Pazin

Abstract

The archival materials relating to the Commune of Novigrad are the best preserved entity in the Historical Archive in Pazin dating from the period of Venetian rule. The Author stresses the two groups of documents, the material concerning the Communal Chancery on one side, and the Mayor's Chancery on the other. The Books of Incomes and Expenses receive a special emphasis, because it is in them that we can best study the development, or rather stagnation of Novigrad’s economy during the Venetian rule. Regarding the Mayor’s Chancery, the most important topics arc the lists of cattle, cereals, quantities of oil and flour, as well as other items, but also legal proceedings against those who smuggled these and other goods. The Author gives a few examples that may bi interesting to a broader public, but also an inducement to fellow researchers, particularly those of the younger generation. He also quotes the extant material belonging to public notaries in the same area, because acts of notaries are the most important source for the study of economic history. As he considers the material belonging to confraternities also to be of utmost importance, the Author presents a brief survey of the extant documents of this most important institution in the same area.