Naples vs. Neapolitans: The political role of the Viceroy during the crisis of the viceregal system (1637-1647)

By the decade of 1640, the Viceroyalty of Naples experienced a diffidence between the viceroy (Naples) and the citizens (Neapolitans) which finally caused the revolt of Masaniello in 1647. In the ten years preceding the revolt, the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by three different viceroys: the Duke of Medina de las Torres (1637-1644), the Admiral of Castille (1644-1646) and the Duke of Arcos (1646-1647), who saw power differently. This paper aims to analyse the core importance of the political role of the viceroy in the development of the viceregal system. To understand what was power for each one, we have analysed the pragmaticas made during these three different governments. We have also examined, through primary sources, some of the main aspects of their administration and personalities as heads of that institution. This paper assembles the (dis)evolution of the governments who lead the kingdom to one of the most relevant crises of the early modern Naples.