Ambrosio de Morales: un viaje para la reconstrución de la memoria cristiana de un reino

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the journey undertaken by the chronicler Ambrosio de Morales, between June 1572 and February 1573, through Leon, Castile and Galicia, upon request of King Phillip II, paying particular attention to a specific dimension: that this journey and its protagonist be instruments in reaffirming royal power, by identifying relics, royal tombs and ancient books. These are elements which hold a symbolic power which the monarch was seeking to appropriate, in a process to build centralized power and the image of a Christian king, combining in the same project religion, politics and culture. To this end, we will analyze the relation between this journey, as described by the chronicler, and its contribution to the collection of relics held at the Real Monasterio de El Escorial.

Keywords

• Ambrosio de Morales
• Phillip II
• Travels
• Relics