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The Political Strategy of Nuncio Antonio Caetani in the Maze of the Imperial Court (1607–1611)

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Periati P.

Legatio: The Journal for Renaissance and Early Modern Diplomatic Studies

2017

issue 1

The archbishop of Capua, Antonio Caetani (1566–1624), was an eminent member of a Roman aristocratic family. From 1607 to 1611, he resided at the Imperial court of Prague as Apostolic Nuncio in the service to Pope Paul V, where he witnessed the turmoil that gradually overwhelmed Bohemia, ruled at that point by Emperor Rudolf II of the House of Habsburg. Caetani moved in an orbit characterised by various coexisting political, local, confessional and social forces. His negotiations within the maze of the court were characterised by a wise and cautious approach of not interfering openly in Imperial affairs: a sort of ‘wait-and-see’ policy that was almost inevitable. This was firstly because of the Imperial ministers, who, instead of acting as a conduit to reach the ears of the sovereign, were actually considered obstructive and unhelpful because of their private aims, personal resentments, and often-outright hostility. Secondly, Caetani’s mission was hampered by the Rudolf II's suspicious nature: the Emperor feared papal intrusion in Imperial affairs. The papal nuncios did not merely embody the pope; they were also political subjects within networks of interpersonal relationships. Within these networks, they could practice their diplomatic roles, and also carry out (their own) personal affairs. Below, I will attempt to demonstrate how Caetani’s political strategy failed to establish fruitful relations with the courtiers and the Emperor.

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1 Legatio: The Journal for Renaissance and Early Modern Diplomatic Studies

1 Periati P.

1 2017

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The Political Strategy of Nuncio Antonio Caetani in the Maze of the Imperial Court (1607–1611)