ABSTRACT
In the first two decades of the French Wars of Religion, the Gondi became one of the most powerful and wealthy families in France. This was all the more remarkable in view of their background as the children of Florentine immigrants. This period witnessed a rising trend towards anti-Italian sentiments at court and all over France. The Gondi were labelled supporters of Spain, the arch-enemy of France. Although the family was less close to Henry III, even in this period the leading members of the clan maintained a prominent position at court and control over many of the leading offices in Church and State.
