The arduous task of governing : reports and perceptions of the Neapolitan Revolt (1647-48) in the diplomatic network of the Duke of Arcos, Viceroy of Naples

Highlighting that previous historiography on Spanish imperial correspondence has almost exclusively focused on vertical communication between officials and their superiors or the central government itself, Benigno analyses the correspondence and policy of the Duke of Arcos, Viceroy of Naples, in the face of the revolt led by Masaniello in 1647. He shows how Arcos shifted between concessions toward the rebels and an uncompromising divide et impera approach, which he reflected in his letters to his peers. Benigno also shows that Arcos did not only write but also read, drawing on an extensive information network that was available to him because of his family connections and his political role. Among the communicational tools he employed were circular letters. All in all, Arcos’s case shows that early modern diplomacy was often a rationally calculated exchange of news in which even high-ranking agents had to offer something in return.