Ferdinando I delle Due Sicilie, often referred to as the “Re Lazzarone” (the Lazzaroni King), was a monarch whose reign was marked by significant political and social changes in Southern Italy. Born on January 12, 1751, in the Royal Palace of Naples, Ferdinando was the third son of Charles III of Spain and Maria Amalia of Saxony. As the first king of Naples and Sicily to be born in the region he ruled, Ferdinando’s life and reign were deeply intertwined with the complexities of European politics and the challenges of governing a diverse kingdom. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Ferdinando I’s life, his rise to fame, and the key events that defined his reign.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Ferdinando’s early life was shaped by his noble lineage and the shifting political landscape of 18th-century Europe. His father, Charles III, was originally the Duke of Parma before becoming King of Naples and Sicily in 1734, after successfully wresting the territories from Austrian control. Ferdinando was initially destined for a career in the Church, but a series of unexpected events led to his ascension to the throne at a very young age.
In 1759, Charles III ascended to the Spanish throne following the death of his half-brother, Ferdinand VI of Spain. Since Charles was unable to rule both Spain and Naples-Sicily, he abdicated the latter in favor of his young son, Ferdinando, who was only eight years old at the time. Due to Ferdinando’s age, a Council of Regency was established to govern the kingdom until he came of age. This council was led by Bernardo Tanucci, a powerful Tuscan statesman who had a profound influence on the young king and the policies of the kingdom during this period.
The “Re Lazzarone” and His Marriage to Maria Carolina
Ferdinando earned the nickname “Re Lazzarone” due to his affinity with the common people of Naples, particularly the Lazzaroni, who were the city’s working-class poor. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ferdinando enjoyed mingling with the lower classes, often dressing in simple clothing and speaking in the Neapolitan dialect. This earned him a reputation as a populist king who was closer to his subjects than many other European monarchs of his time.
In 1768, Ferdinando married Maria Carolina of Austria, the daughter of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I of the Holy Roman Empire. This marriage was part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties between the Bourbon dynasty and the Habsburgs. The union was politically significant, as it brought together two of Europe’s most powerful families, and it had a profound impact on Ferdinando’s reign.
Maria Carolina was a strong-willed and politically astute queen who quickly became the dominant influence in Ferdinando’s court. She was deeply involved in the governance of the kingdom, particularly after the birth of their first son, which allowed her to join the State Council as per their marriage contract. Under her influence, the kingdom’s foreign policy shifted away from Spain and towards Austria, reflecting her Habsburg roots.
The couple had 18 children, though only a few survived to adulthood. The large number of offspring further solidified the Bourbon dynasty’s influence in Europe, as many of their children married into other royal families.
Political Turmoil and the French Revolution
The latter part of Ferdinando’s reign was heavily influenced by the French Revolution and the subsequent rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The radical ideas of the Revolution found fertile ground in the Kingdom of Naples, particularly among the educated elite and intellectuals. Figures like Antonio Genovesi, Gaetano Filangieri, and Mario Pagano became prominent voices advocating for reform and the spread of Enlightenment ideals.
The execution of King Louis XVI of France, Maria Carolina’s brother-in-law, in 1793, deeply shocked and angered the queen, reinforcing her and Ferdinando’s commitment to counter-revolutionary policies. This event marked a turning point in their rule, leading them to join the First Coalition against revolutionary France.
In 1798, Ferdinando violated the terms of the Armistice of Brescia by launching an attack on French forces occupying Rome. Initially successful, this military venture quickly turned disastrous as the French launched a counteroffensive, forcing Ferdinando and his court to flee to Palermo, under the protection of the British Royal Navy led by Admiral Horatio Nelson.
During this period, the French established the Parthenopean Republic in Naples, which lasted for a few months in 1799 before being overthrown by royalist forces led by Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo, with support from British and Russian naval forces. Ferdinando returned to Naples in the wake of the republic’s collapse, and his return was marked by a brutal crackdown on the republicans who had supported the French, leading to widespread executions and repression.
The Napoleonic Wars and the Loss of Naples
Ferdinando’s struggles with Napoleon did not end with the fall of the Parthenopean Republic. In 1805, during the War of the Third Coalition, Ferdinando once again sided with the enemies of France. However, following Napoleon’s victories at Ulm and Austerlitz, French forces, now led by Napoleon’s brother Joseph Bonaparte, invaded Naples in 1806. Ferdinando was forced to flee to Sicily, where he would remain in exile for over a decade.
In Sicily, Ferdinando’s rule was challenged by both internal and external pressures. The British, who had provided protection to the royal family, pushed for constitutional reforms in Sicily, leading to the establishment of a new constitution in 1812. This constitution was one of the most liberal in Europe at the time, introducing a parliamentary system and reducing the powers of the monarchy. However, Ferdinando, supported by conservative elements in the court and church, resisted these changes as much as possible.
Maria Carolina, who had been a strong influence on Ferdinando, died in 1814 while the royal family was still in exile. Just three months later, Ferdinando remarried, taking as his wife Lucia Migliaccio, Duchess of Floridia. This was a morganatic marriage, meaning it was a union between a royal and a noble of lower rank, and Lucia did not receive the title of queen.
Restoration and the Creation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
The downfall of Napoleon in 1815 and the subsequent Congress of Vienna marked a turning point for Ferdinando. The Congress, which sought to restore the pre-Napoleonic order in Europe, recognized Ferdinando’s claim to both the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily. In 1816, these two kingdoms were formally merged into the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with Ferdinando taking the title of Ferdinando I of the Two Sicilies.
Upon his return to Naples in 1816, Ferdinando embarked on a series of efforts to consolidate his rule over the newly unified kingdom. However, his reign was marked by increasing discontent, particularly among liberals and nationalists who sought greater political freedoms and the unification of Italy. The Carbonari, a secret society advocating for constitutional government and national unity, became increasingly active in the kingdom, leading to a series of revolts in 1820.
Faced with growing pressure, Ferdinando reluctantly agreed to grant a constitution in 1820, modeled on the Spanish Constitution of 1812. However, this concession was short-lived. With the support of Austrian troops, who were called in to restore order, Ferdinando revoked the constitution in 1821 and initiated a campaign of repression against the liberal and nationalist movements.
Cultural Contributions and Legacy
Despite his reputation as a staunch defender of absolutism, Ferdinando I made significant contributions to the cultural and intellectual life of his kingdom. One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of the University of Palermo in 1805, which became an important center of learning in Sicily. He also reorganized the University of Naples, enhancing its role as a leading institution of higher education in Southern Italy.
Ferdinando was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He continued the excavation of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which had begun under his father, Charles III. These archaeological efforts brought significant attention to the cultural heritage of Southern Italy and contributed to the burgeoning field of classical studies.
In addition to his support for education and the arts, Ferdinando undertook several public works projects. The most famous of these was the construction of the Royal Palace of Caserta, which was initiated by Charles III but largely completed during Ferdinando’s reign. This grand palace, often referred to as the “Versailles of Italy,” became a symbol of the Bourbon monarchy’s power and wealth.
Another significant project was the creation of the Royal Colony of San Leucio, an experimental community near Caserta dedicated to silk production. San Leucio was envisioned as a model of social and economic organization, with progressive policies on education, healthcare, and workers’ rights. Although it never fully realized its ambitious goals, San Leucio remains a fascinating example of Enlightenment ideals in practice.
Conclusion
Ferdinando I delle Due Sicilie was a complex and often contradictory figure. His reign was marked by significant achievements in the realms of culture and public works, yet it was also characterized by political repression and resistance to the liberal movements that were sweeping across Europe. As the first ruler of the unified Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinando played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Southern Italy during a period of profound change.
His legacy is one of both progress and conservatism, reflecting the tensions of his time. While he is remembered for his contributions to the arts and sciences, his reign also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by monarchs in an era of revolution and reform. Ferdinando I’s life and reign offer valuable insights into the complexities of leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in European history.
