Colegiales mayores y limpieza de sangre durante la edad moderna

by Baltasar Cuart

Analyzes the "limpieza de sangre" statute in one of the Spanish "Colegios mayores" (i.e. universities), San Clemente of Bologna, Italy, until its abolition in 1844. States that the introduction of the statute encountered fierce resistance from Conversos on the academic staff, as well as from the Senate of Bologna, interested in more leverage in the college, between 1482-95, but to no avail. After 1488 all candidates were required to bring proof of their purity of lineage, which was verified by the college. States that the statute was not about religious or racial purity, but about limiting and preserving access to the Spanish administration and Church offices, benefits, and grants.