Le Palle di Marte: Military Strategy and Diplomacy in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under Ferdinand II de' Medici (1621-1670)

Tuscany's geopolitical situation in the seventeenth century was unique and unenviable. The historiography of the Medici Grand Duchy, in particular of the reign of Ferdinand II, has ignored the difficult position that the ruling family faced and has overlooked its diplomatic and military successes. This article addresses three primary challenges facing the Medici: the difficulty of maintaining neutrality between Habsburg Spain and Bourbon France; the need to transform the state's costly defence organization; and the practicalities of defending Tuscany's borders from incursions by neighbouring states. Ferdinand II ably confronted these challenges with skilful diplomacy and an innovative defence policy.