Church and State in Spanish Italy
Rituals and Legitimacy in the Kingdom of Naples

Examines the relation between imperialism and religion through the practice of good government in Spanish Naples.

Céline Dauverd (Author)

9781108489850, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 March 2020

310 pages, 8 b/w illus. 2 tables
23.5 x 16 x 2.2 cm, 0.56 kg

'The value of the study for our increased understanding of early modern empire building is substantial and fascinating.' Daniel Mladenovic, Swedish Society of Church History

In this study Céline Dauverd analyses the link between early modern imperialism and religion via the principle of 'good government'. She charts how the Spanish viceroys of southern Italy aimed to secure a new political order through their participation in religious processions, alliance-building with minority groups, and involvement in local charities. The viceroys' good government included diplomacy, compromise, and pragmatism, as well as a high degree of Christian ethics and morality, made manifest in their rapport with rituals. Spanish viceroys were not so much idealistic social reformers as they were legal pragmatists, committed to a political vision that ensured the longevity of the Spanish empire. The viceroys resolved the tension between Christian ideals and Spanish imperialism by building religious ties with the local community. Bringing a new approach to Euro-Mediterranean history, Dauverd shows how the viceroys secured a new political order, and re-evaluates Spain's contributions to the early modern European world.

1. The Spaniards in charitable institutions
2. Viceroys, Jews, and Conversos
3. The miracle of San Gennaro
4. Easter processions
5. Corpus Domini celebration
6. San Giovanni a Mare.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], Church history [HRCC2], History of religion [HRAX], Religion & politics [HRAM2], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]