The split personality of Philip II

Few historical figures have attracted the attention of both specialists. Indeed, Philip II had a personality that always resulted in a continuing indecision. A childhood marked by the shadow of the father, a youth who was being discussed between the forced chastity of a deep and rigid religious and natural sexual impulses of age.

That idea of children subjected to the father and never expressed through the catharsis, is not the only one that caught the attention of scholars. Charcot ascribed to an imbalance caused by his nervous early political responsibilities, and above all, by the need to hide, as a Catholic, strong sexual urges that the prince had in his youth. Even Marañon dealing with more benevolence the character refers to his possible duality, his emotional balance difficult, because of its enormous power over the world then and the need to be humble son of God. This dual condition that the emperors of the Middle Ages could be overcome without problems was difficult for a prince of the Renaissance and the Modern Age.

The human profile of the so-called wise king, was a much more jovial man, active, original and worship of what history to use had led to believe. To begin with, almost never wore black. If you look at the various tables, Philip II appears dressed in red, white, gold, of all colors. Only now very elderly, dressed in black ever and it might be to set an example under the new laws austerity advised to lower the black ostentation and luxury excessive nobles.

The espionage was in the sixteenth century three services particularly prominent: the Vatican, Venice and those of Spain. They were well above those of France and England. There are letters of cloth to the messenger, being searched, was not intercepted by keeping a written paper. As for reading specialists, argue that existed at the convent of San Felipe in the Puerta del Sol, a group of monks specialized in deciphering messages from the enemy. It had calculated the time with almost total accuracy, that a message be translated achieved.

For his part, King was a great protector of science and theatre. Nor was the murderer of his son, intended as a romantic legend. In spite ordered his confinement in his mastery of Infante Don Carlos, crazy and criminal tendencies. What is shown now is that there is a distinct Philip II, more active and effective, much less fierce and unforgiving of what is usually associated with the image austere and sad that he has been giving. This does not save every one of his actions during his long reign but at least you can start a historic judgement from other viewpoints.