The Making of Imperial Environments in Castile During the Reign of Philip II, 1556–1598

During the reign of Philip II (1556–1598), the Spanish crown intensified its control over key environmental contexts to bolster imperial ambitions, marking a transformative period in resource exploitation. This study identifies four critical sites—mercury mining at Almadén, northern coastal woodlands, the Tajo River navigation, and the Royal Stables of Córdoba—as focal points for royal intervention. Through these environments, the crown asserted unprecedented authority, leveraging natural resources to address imperial crises while reshaping human-nature relationships. The research employs a comparative analysis of crown involvement, mechanisms of royal authority, and ecological impacts, revealing how centralized control over diverse landscapes facilitated Spain's early modern expansion.

Wing, J. T. (2025). The Making of Imperial Environments in Castile During the Reign of Philip II, 1556–1598. Journal of Early Modern History, 29(5-6), 493–513. https://doi.org/10.1163/15700658-bja10110