Between Rome, Brussels and Spain. The Southern Netherlands and Franche-Conté ecclesiastical agency in the Policentric Monarchy of Philip the 2nd.

Abstract

The Southern Netherlands and Franche-Comté agency in the Holy See at the time of Philip II has not received much attention from historians. Most probably it is due to its apparent lack of stature. Indeed, subjected to Philip II’s ambassador in Rome, the agency tasks were limited. It was only able to look after the ecclesiastic affaires of Southern Netherlands and Franche-Comté during the negotiations at the roman curia. However, a strategies and network analysis allows to requalify this reading. Through socio-professional strategies of agent Laurent du Blioul, the institution was able to use, maintain and increase royal influence on the city. Our analysis clearly shows that the agency’s standing exceeds Brussel’s interest and Laurent du Blioul was a real stakeholder of the polycentric construction of the Monarchía.

Keywords

• Southern Netherlands and Franche-Comté agency in the Holy See
• polycentric monarchy
• Philip II
• Southern Netherlands
• Papacy.