SPANISH PEACE? FORTIFICATIONS IN LOMBARDY IN THE AGE OF PHILIP III (1598-1621)

Under Philip III, the kingdoms, dominions and fiefdoms of Spain, among them the state of Milan, seemed to be in a state of retreat in comparison to previous reigns. Sources, studies and correlations between historical facts and military achievements point to this change and offer varying accounts of it. The decision to build huge new fortifications along the borders and routes of the Duchy of Milan, along with the acquisition of land and strongholds both near and far - Finale Ligure, Novara, Porto Longone, Monaco, Correggio, Vercelli, Valtellina, Piombino - reveals the determination of the Spanish throne to maintain and, indeed, bolster the power of its possessions. Faced with a seemingly decisive conflict, the Spanish monarchy sought to establish a short-term truce with its enemies in order to strengthen and expand its system of fortresses, armies and fleets, its aim in the process being to win the wider long-term to secure peace at a local level.