權力的前奏曲：凱薩琳．梅蒂奇政治地位與權力的提升（1533-1560）

Abstract

本文旨在探討，凱薩琳．梅蒂奇在1533年至1560年間，如何從法蘭西宮廷權力的邊緣，邁向核心。全文以凱薩琳的個人書信為主要材料，從政治史和社會文化史的雙重視角切入，考察她在此時各階段──王子妃時期、王后時期（攝政前後階段）、王太后初期──實際政治參與和人際網絡的經營。本文各章節，仔細梳理她涉入之法蘭西宮廷實際政務運作的各個層面，如後勤、財政、國內秩序、宗教事務、國際外交協商等重大事務，以及她與國內各重要貴族家系暨國外宮廷具有權勢成員之間的聯繫，藉此勾勒她進入法蘭西宮廷後的權力養成過程。藉由本文的研究，可與過去傳統觀點中的凱薩琳．梅蒂奇在1560年以前毫無政治經驗與權力的印象，進行對話，並在此議題上，為凱薩琳的政治地位與權力提升過程，提供一個較為清晰的圖像。

This thesis aims to explore when did Catherine de Médicis’ political status and power begin to improve? Between 1533 and 1560, how did she become one of the powerful figures in French court? Using Catherine’s personal correspondence as the main source, from the dual perspectives of political history and history of society and culture, I will examine her actual political participation and her personal networks in this period as a Princess by marriage, Queen of France (especially focusing on the differences in her political participation before, during, and after her regency at this time) and Queen-mother (during the reign of François II). To present the development of her power in the French court after 1533, in each chapter, I will take a close look at the various state affairs she is involved in, such as logistics, finances, domestic order, religious issue and foreign affairs, as well as her relationships with the most important noble families in this kingdom and the powerful members in foreign courts. This thesis attempts to correct the long-standing view that Catherine de Médicis had no political experience or power before 1560 and to provide a more prudent argument for her political status and elevation of power.