The Este-dynasty and the Holy Roman Empire in 16th century

The volume, accepted at the University of Innsbruck as qualification theses (Habilitation) , analyses the conflictual political and cultural relationship between the Dukes of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio from the North Italian dynasty of the Este and the Holy Roman Empire, i.e. the emperors and selected princes of the Empire in the 16th century. As one of the eldest Italian dynasties, the Este ruled the papal feud Ferrara from 1240 to 1597 and the imperial feuds Modena and Reggio from 1288 until 1796 and were at the service of two powers. Therefore, they aimed to a balance-of-power-policy between the Pope, the Emperor, France, and Spain with the help of a capillary network on diplomatic representation, relationship, friendship, and patronage expressed in a rich correspondence and cultural exchange. The Este used not only their feudal bonding but also their cultural power, their network and relationship with Catholic and Protestant princes expressed in gifts, marriage projects and patronage for surviving in the conflicts of 16th century Italy and gaining help and support for their goals (investiture, precedence, titles). Until now, the Este-dynasty was studied especially on the topic of the history of the family and its art patronage. This study wants to be a contribution to the history of cultural exchange and the relationship between the Holy Roman Empire and the imperial feuds in Italy (Reichsitalien).