The Institute of Medieval Studies (IEM) and the Portuguese Centre for Global History (CHAM), in collaboration with the Premodern Diplomats Network, co-organise “Splendid Encounters 6: Correspondence and Information Exchange in Diplomacy (1300-1750)”, which will take place in Lisboa between 28 and 30 September 2017.

Splendid Encounters is a series of international and interdisciplinary conferences which aim to bring together scholars from the broadest range of perspectives to consider diplomacy and diplomatic activities in the late medieval and early modern period.

Breaking away from traditional chronological and geographical approaches, the sixth edition of Splendid Encounters 6 will focus on “Correspondence and Information Exchange in Diplomacy (1300-1750)” within and outside Europe. Collecting and transferring information is a major aim of diplomacy, and one not confined to diplomats strictly speaking. People of different ranks and functions were still connected to diplomatic activity ? ambassadors, nuncios, chargés d’affaires, secretaries and agents, members of ambassadorial households, consuls and merchants, and even the aides employed as middlemen or translators.

Just as varied as the agents were the methods used to obtain access to the latest news and information useful to ruler and/or country. As diplomatic networks grew bigger and bigger in size and reach in this period, so did the need to find reliable sources of news and to develop ways to efficiently deliver them. These are some of the issues that will be addressed at Splendid Encounters 6.

Organization

CHAM / NOVA FCSH

IEM

Premodern Diplomats Network