The Case of the New Christians in the Humanistic Thinking of Southern Italy - Antonio de Ferrariis’s Letter to Belisario Acquaviva Duke of Nardò

Theological and social questions regarding the status of New Christians hardly preoccupied Renaissance Italian humanistic scholars, and if these topics were mentioned all, it was usually in the Hispanic context. A notable exception is the letter of Antonio de Ferrariis "Il Galateo" titled “De neophitis” where the author argues against the discrimination of those called ‘neophiti’ (the term for converts in southern Italy). Though the letter is well known, no attempt has been made yet to examine Galateo’s arguments, his sources, or even his motives for introducing the subject.

In his defense of the neophiti, Galateo questions the sources of Christianity, the Jewish origins of Jesus, Mary and the apostles, and more. His arguments are somewhat similar to those brought up in the early days of the controversy regarding the purity of blood in the Iberian Peninsula, but his discussion has a different flavor. Instead of focusing on the status of New Christians or their new faith, it reflects his own views on Christianity and other issues such as nobility and venerable antiquity.

I propose to discuss Galateo’s arguments and sources and offer suggestions as to the historical context of this letter.