The case of the calabrian charlatan : conspiracy, rumor, and messianic nationalism / H. Eric R. Olsen.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Microformat

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Olsen, H. Eric R., 1966-

Contributor:

Safley, Thomas M., advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--History.

History--Penn dissertations.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--History.

History--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

x, 212 pages : illustrations ; 29 cm

Production:

2000.

Summary:

In 1598 a man---called the Calabrian Charlatan by his Spanish opponents---turned up in Venice claiming to be King Sebastian, the Portuguese monarch who had disappeared in battle some twenty years before in Morocco. Over the next five years this man and his claims attracted the attention of Venetian officials, the Spanish state, and a group of Portuguese exiles.

This dissertation explores the story of the Calabrian Charlatan. At a narrative level, this work recounts the twists and turns in the alleged impostor's career: from his appearance, incarceration, and release in Venice; to his arrest in Florence; his trial in Naples; and his hanging in 1603 in Sanlucar de Barrameda in southern Spain. It also examines the Portuguese context for these events: the messianic fervor (Sebastianismo) and popular disturbances, in Spanish-ruled Portugal, the dedicated group of Portuguese exiles seeking Portuguese independence, and the intersection of both.

On a more theoretical level, this is a story of early modern nationalism. It is an account of how a group of political activists pursuing their own political goals (the nationalists) conspired to generate popular support for their movement among the Portuguese people (the nation) and incite a nationalist revolt to drive off Portugal's foreign rulers. It is also an account of the Spanish efforts to ensure that this did not happen. By examining these events, this work explores the strong interconnections between the biblical idea of a "Chosen People", the ethno-linguistic sense of nation, ideas of popular sovereignty, and practical politics in early modern Europe.

Notes:

Supervisor: Thomas M. Safley.

Thesis (Ph.D. in History) -- University of Pennsylvania, 2000.

Includes bibliographical references.

Local Notes:

University Microfilms order no.: 9989631.

OCLC:

244971395