Entre deux empires. Circulation, stratégies et difficultés d’un Valencien dans le Saint Empire au début du xviie siècle

Abstract

A Valencian nobleman and a member in the order of Malta, Baltasar Marradas (1560-1638) becomes an Imperial general at the beginning of the 17th century and also succeeds in keeping close ties with the Spanish monarchy. This example of a circulation between two empires allows us to analyze the question of the nationality which is not defined according to an origin but according to a provided service. It also underlines the strategies of an indivual who is able to take advantage of his belonging to two different spaces and to different networks in order to build up a social position.