The viceregal cursus honorum and the role of the vicereines consorts of the kingdom of Valencia in the 17th century

Abstract

In this article we will study how the viceroys of the Kingdom of Valencia moved between the different viceroyal seats within their cursus honorum and how their wives or their progenitors played an important role in its construction. We will exemplify many of these issues through the case of the Benavente family, which remained at the head of the Valencian viceroyalty for much of the 17th century. Thus, we will be able to see how the viceregal institution became an essential element for the development of the Monarchy, in which the viceroys and vicereines, in their capacity as representatives of the Crown, perpetuated its significance in each of the territories.