The Continuity of Feudal Power
The Caracciolo Di Brienza in Spanish Naples

The first modern, full-length study of an aristocratic family in the kingdom of Naples.

Tommaso Astarita (Author)

9780521893169, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 June 2002

296 pages, 6 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.45 kg

The Continuity of Feudal Power is an analytic study of a family of the Neapolitan aristocracy during the early modern period, with particular focus on the time of Spanish rule (1503–1707). The Caracciolo marquis of Brienza were a branch of one of the oldest and most powerful clans in the kingdom of Naples, and they numbered among the hundred wealthiest feudal families throughout the early modern period. Professor Astarita reconstructs the family's patrimony, administration and revenues, the family's relationship with the rural communities over which it had jurisdiction, its marriage and alliance policies, and the relations between the aristocracy and the monarchical government. His emphasis is on the continuing importance of feudal traditions, institutions and values both in the definition of the aristocracy's status and in its success in ensuring the persistence of its wealth and power within the kingdom.

Acknowledgements
Note on abbreviations and measurements
List of tables, figures and maps
List of illustrations
Introduction
1. The Caracciolo di Brienza
2. Structure and evolution of an aristocratic patrimony
3. The management of an aristocratic landed patrimony
4. The feudal lord and his vassals: between traditional paternalism and change
5. Aristocratic strategies for the preservation of family wealth
6. Offices, courts and taxes, the aristocracy and the Spanish rule
Conclusion
Glossary
Appendix on sources
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD]