The Tumult of Amboise and the Importance of Historical Memory in Sixteenth-Century France
Trevor Charles Schmitz-Thursam
Humanist legal scholarship was the catalyst to historical revolution that took place in sixteenth-century France. French philologists succeeded demonstrating cultural distinctiveness of France from a heretofore assumed classical heritage shared with ancient Rome. As result, scholars sought retrace origins non-Roman Gauls and Franks. Their intensive study laws, customs institutions developed France, as distinct Rome, transformed understanding national past. Following introduction principles anachronism relativism, sixteenth century witnessed transformation traditional perceptions time. It during this period when myths, legends traditions comprised fabric society were called into question, transformed, emerged new myths spoke more directly crises Religious Wars. The purpose is attach greater significance Tumult Amboise 1560 than has previously been afforded period. provide not only impetus for civil wars waged nearly half century, but also served an first expression Protestant resistance theory change face political discourse debate centered around set stage constitutional theories regarding laws succession role Estates-General dominate latter century. polemicists increasingly reconstruct image mythical past, order demonstrate ancientness constitution, fiction these efforts became functioning ideology should be viewed one concerted expressions nationalism. In regard, recreation past on patriotic dimension absent traditional, chroniclesty led medieval histories and, time, uniquely Gallican mythology stood defiantly rival heterodoxy Further, developmental nature progressed, doctrines constitutionalism limited monarchy began laced abstract obligation responsibility ruler his subjects. Employing comparative analysis 1560's Henri IV, it will shown propaganda direct! y dependent memory participants, who engaged effort frame religious within context their