The Civil History of the Kingdom of Naples

work by Giannone

Also known as: “Istoria civile del regno di Napoli”

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June 17, 2026

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The Civil History of the Kingdom of Naples is a polemical work by Italian historian Pietro Giannone, published in 1723. The book argues for the supremacy of civil power over the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Naples. Due to its anti-papal stance, the work was placed on the Index of Prohibited Books, and Giannone was excommunicated. Giannone, a jurist, was interested in the "New Learning" and his historical survey of Naples supported the civil authority in its disputes with the church. This work is a significant part of Giannone's opposition to papal interference in Neapolitan affairs.1

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Pietro Giannone
…del regno di Napoli (1723; The Civil History of the Kingdom of Naples)—a polemical survey of Neapolitan history in which he espoused the side of the civil power in its conflicts with the Roman Catholic hierarchy. As a result of this, the Istoria was placed on the Index librorum prohibitorum…
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…del regno di Napoli (1723; The Civil History of the Kingdom of Naples)—a polemical survey of Neapolitan history in which he espoused the side of the civil power in its conflicts with the Roman Catholic hierarchy. As a result of this, the Istoria was placed on the Index librorum prohibitorum…
Read More