Masaniello's Revolt in Naples

Timeline

1. 1647Market square, Naples · NaplesA clash between fruit sellers and tax collectors at the city gates escalated; Masaniello led crowds to burn tax booths, storm the arsenal, and open the prisons. Viceroy Rodrigo Ponce de León (Duke of Arcos) took refuge first in Castel Sant'Elmo and then the New Castle. The cry remained "Long live the king, down with bad government," with the struggle aimed first at the new taxes and the nobility.
2. 1647Naples · NaplesMasaniello was raised up as "leader of the most faithful people," and the city was for a time under his armed control. Through the mediation of Archbishop Ascanio Filomarino, the viceroy and Masaniello signed an agreement on July 13: amnesty for the insurgents, repeal of the harshest taxes, and permission for citizens to remain armed pending the king's approval.
3. 1647Naples · NaplesAfter nine days in power, Masaniello's behavior became erratic, and contemporaries suspected poisoning or a mental breakdown. On July 16 he was shot dead near the Carmelite convent and his head displayed. The populace promptly held funeral honors for his corpse, and the revolt did not end with its leader's death.
4. 1647–1648Naples · NaplesGunsmith Gennaro Annese became the core of resistance after the fleet's bombardment. On October 22 the city proclaimed the Royal Republic of Naples, inviting Henry II, Duke of Guise, as protector. Spain sent Don Juan José with a fleet, and the new viceroy, the Count of Onate, turned the nobles; in April 1648 Spanish troops entered the city, the republic collapsed, and Annese was later executed.