The Camerlenghi di Comun were senior fiscal officials of the Republic of Venice.
Although they are first attested in 1236, they are likely much older in origin.[1] Originally two, they were increased to three in 1527.[1]
Their role was as the treasurers and cashiers of the Republic: apart from those magistrates to whom specific funds were assigned, all public expenses and revenue were handled by the Camerlenghi di Comun.[1] They were further tasked with imposing fines on debtors to the state, and proposing cost-saving measures.[1] They were allowed to dispose of sums up to ten gold ducats.[1] Their main residence was in the Zecca of Venice, but they also had proper offices in the Rialto, in the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi.[1]
Initially they reported to the Doge of Venice and the Minor Council, but in 1471 they were subordinated to the board of the Savi del Consiglio.[1]
References edit
Sources edit
- Da Mosto, Andrea (1937). L'Archivio di Stato di Venezia. Indice Generale, Storico, Descrittivo ed Analitico. Tomo I: Archivi dell' Amministrazione Centrale della Repubblica Veneta e Archivi Notarili (in Italian). Rome: Biblioteca d'arte editrice. OCLC 772861816.