urban management system in the Middle Ages was not the same as now.Especially it comes to the early Middle Ages.Until the 10th century, no other city in Europe has not had a government.
What is a commune?
Commune - a community (a group of) people who have a lot in common.For example, on the basis of residence in the same area, political views.This group of people is also related sources of income (income received by working on the same object).
What is a commune in the Middle Ages?On this question the answer is simple - it is an urban community.Transport infrastructure in the Middle Ages was not developed, so migration between cities was minimal.If a person born in the city, so he remained in it for life.
As originally organized system of urban governance?In principle, nothing complex was not.All the land belonged to the feudal lords (large owners) who could dispose of it at their discretion.The main feudal country was often Emperor (Tsar).
struggle for self-
feudal lords did not immediately realize what a commune.And in vain!Analyzing the concept of "municipality" in a modern way, we actually see the embryo of a civil society.People had their own position, its own general view of the control of his hometown and wanted to be free in terms of setting lifestyle of the city.
struggle for liberation from feudal dependence held long enough.The urban population has always tried to resolve the issue peacefully, but it is not always possible, so there were also military skirmishes.But the process was largely peacefully.The owners of the land are gradually beginning to realize that a municipality and what benefits it can bring to them in the end.People exempted from personal dependence, acquired certain freedoms.
Which city received municipal rights?
Here we can mention the French city of Boisson, Amiens, Lille, Toulouse, as well as Belgian - Ghent, Bruges.In Italy, due to national peculiarities process was a bit different, so the city also received the status of the republics (Milan, Venice, Genoa, Pisa, etc.).In these cities to organize their own governments, the police could establish local taxes.
Realizing that such a commune, we see the beginning of the formation of civil society in Europe in the 10th century.Citizens had a proactive stance, plans, so we were confident in the success of his city, even if it is not fixed to the feudal lord.
