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Leva of men of war for Italy

Date
1628
Archive
Municipal Archive of Tarragona
Document type
Textual
Reference code
CAT-AHCT-01.01. 06/401
Link to the archive
Description

In 1628, the king’s lieutenant ordered the mobilization of Catalan men to be sent to Italy, under the command of three captains from the kingdom of Sardinia. This document reveals how Catalonia, integrated within the Spanish monarchy, actively participated in the European conflicts of the 17th century. The draft of men did not only respond to military interests, but also reflected the tensions and political alliances of a Europe at war. This order shows us how the Catalan territories were participants – and often victims – of the great imperial strategies, and how their inhabitants were mobilized to defend interests that often transcended their borders. It is a valuable testimony of European interdependence and Catalonia’s involvement in the continent’s military and diplomatic affairs.