Tomáš Černušák
doc. PhDr., Ph.D.
Domestic project
Relational networks of Apostolic nuncios and Spanish envoys in the milieu of the imperial court at the turn of the 16th and 17th century
Provider: The Czech Science Foundation
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Project duration:
2017–2019
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Project ID: GA17-06049S
In the 2nd half of the 16th century, Apostolic nunciatures and the Spanish embassy belonged to the most significant power centres on the imperial court. Diplomats heading these institutions served as a significant source of information on events in the Holy Roman Empire and the Hapsburg Lands and an important factor in enforcing interests of Spain and the Papal States. To make their activities in the foreign environment more efficient, the envoys had to establish specific relational networks and use them effectively. The research will focus on issues concerning development of these networks, the importance of the individual clients as regards credibility of the passed information, their motivations and remunerations. Simultaneously, it will analyse methods of the diplomats' communication with the emperor and the courtiers, all under the rule of Rudolph II and Matthias. Comparison of the discovered facts will determine to what extent the relational networks of Spanish envoys and the Apostolic nuncios interacted and what transformations (if any) occurred in them.
