plague had some economic
consequences: the prices of food dropped
and land values declined by 30 to 40% in
most parts of Europe between 1350 and
1400. Landholders faced a great loss but
for ordinary men and women, it was a
windfall. The survivors of the plague
found not only that the prices of food
were cheaper but also found that lands
were more abundant, and that most of
them inherited property from their dead
relatives.
The Black Death caused greater upheaval
to Florence’s social and political structure
than later epidemics. Despite a significant
number of deaths among members of the
ruling classes, the government of
Florence continued to function during this
period. Formal meetings of elected
representatives were suspended during
the height of the epidemic due to the
chaotic conditions in the city, but a small
group of officials was appointed to
conduct the affairs of the city, which
ensured continuity of government.