Les évêques à la cour du roi sous Manuel Ier et Jean III du Portugal (1495-1557)

Abstract

Based upon a prosopographical analysis of all the bishops of Portugal and its overseas empire during the first half of the sixteenth century, combined with an accurate reading of all the letters writen by portuguese monarchs to the portuguese episcopacy and also diplomatic correspondance, this research seeks to reconstitute the role played by this high ranked clergy at the royal court, and also how the crown used them in order to reinforce its power and building a modern state. This approach will allow, also, a better explanation of the concept of court bishops.