Giovanni Villani

Born in Florence in the late 13th century, Giovanni Villani worked in commerce and public life as a banker, official, and diplomat. His practical experience in government and trade gave him a sharp eye for how cities actually functioned, from finances and politics to famine, war, and public works.

He is best known for the Nuova Cronica, a wide-ranging chronicle that traces the history of Florence while also reaching far beyond it. The work stands out for its unusual attention to concrete details such as population, economic activity, and civic institutions, which makes it especially valuable to historians.

Villani died in 1348, during the Black Death. His chronicle did not end with him: members of his family continued it, helping preserve one of the richest surviving portraits of medieval Florence.