Recent discoveries of notarial documents dating back to the early 17th century shed new light on the exact birthplace of Antonio Serra, the eminent economist and mercantilist philosopher (born in Cosenza in the late 16th century and died in the early 17th century). Known for his work "Breve trattato delle cause che possono far abbondare li regni d’oro e d’argento dove non sono miniere" (1613), Serra investigated the trade relations of the Kingdom of Naples, attributing currency scarcity to balance of payments deficits. He was also involved in Tommaso Campanella’s conspiracy, which led to a prolonged imprisonment. The new notarial documents from Dipignano, a nearby village to Cosenza, provide the first documentary evidence regarding Antonio Serra’s birthplace (e.g., State Archive of Cosenza, Notary Manilio De Luca, 1602, c. 106r). This discovery allows for a hypothesis supported by historical documents, further strengthened by a 1964 publication by Luigi De Rosa, which links Serra directly to Dipignano. This study examines the significance of these findings in the context of Serra’s life and work, exploring the implications for our understanding of his origins and early influences. Additionally, it considers the potential implications of Serra’s association with Dipignano for his relationship with Tommaso Campanella and the sociopolitical dynamics of the time
Documentary Revelations: The Mystery of Antonio Serra’s Birth Unveiled Through New Historical Discoveries
Renato Ghezzi
2024-01-01
Abstract
Recent discoveries of notarial documents dating back to the early 17th century shed new light on the exact birthplace of Antonio Serra, the eminent economist and mercantilist philosopher (born in Cosenza in the late 16th century and died in the early 17th century). Known for his work "Breve trattato delle cause che possono far abbondare li regni d’oro e d’argento dove non sono miniere" (1613), Serra investigated the trade relations of the Kingdom of Naples, attributing currency scarcity to balance of payments deficits. He was also involved in Tommaso Campanella’s conspiracy, which led to a prolonged imprisonment. The new notarial documents from Dipignano, a nearby village to Cosenza, provide the first documentary evidence regarding Antonio Serra’s birthplace (e.g., State Archive of Cosenza, Notary Manilio De Luca, 1602, c. 106r). This discovery allows for a hypothesis supported by historical documents, further strengthened by a 1964 publication by Luigi De Rosa, which links Serra directly to Dipignano. This study examines the significance of these findings in the context of Serra’s life and work, exploring the implications for our understanding of his origins and early influences. Additionally, it considers the potential implications of Serra’s association with Dipignano for his relationship with Tommaso Campanella and the sociopolitical dynamics of the timeI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
