Three lessons by Alessandro Barbero

The program of cultural activities carried out by Intesa Sanpaolo at the Turin skyscraper is resumed with three conferences by the historian Alessandro Barbero.
The project Three lessons by Alessandro Barbero, curated by Giulia Cogoli Comunicazione, dedicates three appointments to the crucial moments in which the economic situation and its changes strongly influenced the course of history.

Thursday 7 November, 6:00 pm
Between recession and innovation: the crisis of the fourteenth century
In the fourteenth century the long cycle of medieval growth, which had lasted for centuries, was suddenly interrupted.
Climate change, new diseases, endless wars caused catastrophic economic imbalances and a dramatic reduction in population. Nevertheless – due to the demographic reduction which affected prices, wages and production and opened up new market opportunities to those who managed to seize them – the standard of living did not decrease, and the quality of material life continued to improve.

Thursday 14 November, 6:00 pm
Money and women: Gracia Nasi, a 16th century financier
In the 16th century, Christian Europe offered the contrast of an extraordinarily prosperous economy, based on credit and trade, and ferocious religious intolerance.
In the East, on the contrary, the Ottoman Empire witnessed a stagnant economy but a relative tolerance. The Jewish bankers, protagonists and victims of the time, moved between these two worlds: not only men, but also women, who managed colossal fortunes by dealing with doges and sultans.

Thursday 21 November, 6:00 pm
The bankruptcy of the State: the causes of the French Revolution
Everyone remembers that the French Revolution began with the calling of the States General. But if the King of France, after having exercised absolute power for two centuries, found himself forced to call the parliament and ask for its support, it was because absolutism, which meant taxes and expenses without any control from below, had caused the financial collapse of the monarchy.

Free participation subject to availability of seats. Advanced reservation is required and available on our website according to the following scheduling:
· first event from Monday 4, November
· second event from Friday 8, November
· third event from Friday 15 November
It will be possible to follow the live streaming of the three events by connecting to this site.