Machiavelli's three Romes
Subtitle: religion, human liberty, and politics reformed
By: Vickie B. Sullivan.
Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: DeKalb, Ill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 235
Subjects: Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527.; Catholic Church -- Controversial literature.; Liberty.
Description: Machiavelli's ambiguous treatment of religion has fueled a contentios and long-standing debate among scholars. Whereas some insist that Machiavelli is a Christian, others maintain he is a pagan. Sullivan mediates between these divergent views by arguing that he is neither but that he utilizes elements of both understandings arrayed in a wholly new way.

She develops her argument by distinguishing among the three Romes that can be understood as existing in Machiavelli's political thought: the first is the Rome of the Christian era, dominated by the pope; the second is the republican Rome of pagan times, which Machiavelli praises; and the third is an idealized Rome that is neither entirely pagan nor entirely Christian.

Sullivan draws primarily from the Florentine Histories, The Prince, and the Discourses to offer a unique study of Machiavelli's political thought. Her examination of Machiavelli's three Romes will engage readers concerned with political thought, philosophy of the state, and Machiavelli.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [221]-226) and index.