Heroes at the epicentre: our Lady and Saints in the earthquakes of the hispanic monarchy (16th-17th Century)

Abstract

During the early modern period, the earthquakes become a matter of interest for the Habsburg administration, because the Crown rules areas with high seismic hazards. The chapter focuses on the news about Our Lady and saints involvement in the earthquakes with a global viewpoint thanks to the structure of the Hispanic Monarchy. In addition to the introduction and conclusions, the essay is formed of three paragraphs. The first part analyses the early modern lectures on the seismic shocks between naturalistic and religious approaches; the second presents the processions that affected communities organize to invocate a divine help against earthquakes. Finally, the last section shows the main topics by the survivor’s statement and writings.