Lately, the bibliography about the village of São Paulo in the colonial period insists on the importance of mercantile relations and points out the formation of a rigid social hierarchy. This article deals with the settlings, in the beginning of the 18th century, of a paulistana elite which concentrates slaves, agricultural production, cattle raising and commerce, establishing patrimonial relationships and consolidating political power.
Paulistana Elite; Mercantile Relations; 18 Century