The duke and the stars : astrology and politics in Renaissance Milan / Monica Azzolini.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Azzolini, Monica, 1971-

Series:

I Tatti studies in Italian Renaissance history.

Villa I Tatti.

I Tatti studies in Italian Renaissance history

I Tatti Studies in Italian Renaissance History

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gian Galeazzo Sforza, Duke of Milan, 1469-1494.

Gian Galeazzo Sforza.

Astrology and politics--History.

Astrology and politics.

Milan (Italy)--History--To 1535.

Milan (Italy).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiii, 370 p. ) ill.

Edition:

1st ed.

Other Title:

Astrology and politics in Renaissance Milan

Place of Publication:

Boston : Harvard University Press, 2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This study is the first to examine the important political role played by astrology in Italian court culture. Reconstructing the powerful dynamics existing between astrologers and their prospective or existing patrons, The Duke and the Stars illustrates how the "predictive art" of astrology was a critical source of information for Italian Renaissance rulers, particularly in times of crisis. Astrological "intelligence" was often treated as sensitive, and astrologers and astrologer-physicians were often trusted with intimate secrets and delicate tasks that required profound knowledge not only of astrology but also of the political and personal situation of their clients. Two types of astrological predictions, medical and political, were taken into the most serious consideration. Focusing on Milan, Monica Azzolini describes the various ways in which the Sforza dukes (and Italian rulers more broadly) used astrology as a political and dynastic tool, guiding them as they contracted alliances, made political decisions, waged war, planned weddings, and navigated health crises. The Duke and the Stars explores science and medicine as studied and practiced in fifteenth-century Italy, including how astrology was taught in relation to astronomy.

Contents:

The science of the stars: learning astrology at the University of Pavia

The making of a dynasty: astrology under Bianca Maria Visconti and Francesco Sforza

Astrology is destiny: Galeazzo Sforza and the political uses of astrology

The star-crossed duke: Gian Galeazzo Sforza and medical astrology

The viper and the eagle: the rise and fall of astrology under Ludovico Sforza.

Notes:

Formerly CIP.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 321-353) and index.

ISBN:

9780674070363

0674070364

9780674067912

0674067916

OCLC:

826855510