Neapolitan Republic (1647–1648)
Most Serene Republican Monarchy of Naples | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1647–1648 | |||||||||
| Motto: S.P.Q.N. S.P.Q.N. "The Senate and People of Naples" | |||||||||
| Status | Protectorate of France | ||||||||
| Capital | Naples | ||||||||
| Common languages | |||||||||
| Religion | Roman Catholicism | ||||||||
| Demonym(s) | Neapolitan | ||||||||
| Government | Mixed (crowned republic) | ||||||||
| Doge | |||||||||
• 1647–1648 | Henry II of Guise | ||||||||
| Generalissimo | |||||||||
• 1647–1648 | Gennaro Annese | ||||||||
| Historical era | Renaissance/Early Modern | ||||||||
| July 7, 1647 | |||||||||
• Gennaro Annese proclaimed the Republic | October 22, 1647 | ||||||||
• Henry II of Guise made Doge | November 15, 1647 | ||||||||
• Rebellion repressed | April 5, 1648 | ||||||||
| Currency | |||||||||
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| Today part of | Italy | ||||||||
The Neapolitan Republic (Repubblica Napoletana) was established within the territory of the Kingdom of Naples and lasted from approximately October 22, 1647, until April 5, 1648. It emerged during the later stages of a major revolt against Spanish rule that had begun in July 1647, initially led by figures such as Masaniello and Giulio Genoino against the administration of King Philip IV of Spain and his viceroy, the Duke of Arcos.
After the Republic's proclamation, Henry II of Lorraine, Duke of Guise, arrived in November 1647 and became its most prominent leader, eventually styled as Doge. He partly based his claim to leadership on his descent from the former King of Naples, René I of Anjou.
Reflecting its complex political identity, the Republic was known by several names, including Reale Repubblica ("Royal Republic") and Serenissima Repubblica di questo regno di Napoli ("Most Serene Republic of this Kingdom of Naples"). The title "Serenissima" was likely adopted in conscious comparison to the Republic of Venice. The Republic's coat of arms featured a red shield displaying the motto S.P.Q.N. (Latin: Senatus Populusque Neapolitanus), in imitation of the Roman motto S.P.Q.R. (Senatus Populusque Romanus, "The Senate and the People of Rome"); thus, the Neapolitan phrase meant "The Senate and People of Naples". During the Duke of Guise's leadership, his personal coat of arms was sometimes displayed in conjunction with the Republic's shield.