Abstract

Machiavelli’s claim in the Prince, Chapter 6, that «armed prophets conquered and unarmed prophets were ruined» contrasts the success of political innovators like Moses, who spoke with God, with the career of the Dominican friar, Savonarola, who, despite speaking with God, failed. While scholars have frequently connected this idea to discussions in the Discourses, a similar observation in The Art of War, Book 4, has been largely ignored. This paper explores this undervalued remark and the significance of military leaders invoking divine communication as a tactic to defend against both external and internal threats