Historical social contracts and their legacy: a disaggregated analysis of the medieval republics

Abstract We study the comparative political economy within territories ruled by medieval republics in Northern Italy. Building on historical evidence, we conceptualize emergence of more inclusive vs. extractive institutions these sovereign polities as driven interests local rulers and their need to build state capacity. provide novel insights role geography contingencies development public governance, individual attitudes, social-inclusion, which mutually supported each other persisted over time. measure origin, territorial evolution, disappearance all that Italian peninsula during period 1000-1800 AD. The empirical analysis connects contemporary socio-economic outcomes across spatially disaggregated northern localities, at municipality level, history. distinguish between so-called “communal” “maritime republics” show intensity stability exposure different types republican rule pre-industrial times continues shape good provision fiscal compliance, has left a tangible imprint today’s population diversity.