Episode 9: When Venice Defied the Pope

Paolo Sarpi is far from a household name, even among aficionados of 17th-century history. But Paul Lay believes Sarpi deserves greater recognition, and in this episode he explains why to co-host Miranda Malins.

Sarpi was a Venetian statesman, cleric and thinker. When Pope Paul V decided to excommunicate the city state and its entire population in 1606-07, a punishment for their insistence on appointing their own priests, Sarpi fought back. Earning himself a reputation as 'the penman of Venetian defiance', Sarpi called out Rome for its absolutist behaviour and in the process became a hero for rebellious thinkers all over Europe - not least in England, where Sarpi's writings and ideas played a significant part in the build-up to the Civil War.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

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