The Continuity of Feudal Power

Focusing on the Caracciolo marquis of Brienza, this analytic study explores the dynamics of a prominent Neapolitan aristocratic family during Spanish rule. It delves into their wealth, administrative practices, and relationships with rural communities, highlighting their marriage strategies and interactions with monarchical authority. The work emphasizes the enduring significance of feudal traditions and institutions in maintaining the family's status and power, illustrating how these elements contributed to their sustained influence within the Kingdom of Naples.