Abstract

This paper will focus on the family strategy implemented by the papal branch of the Odescalchi during the seventeenth century, through an analysis of the wills and testaments of the brothers Carlo, Giulio Maria and Benedetto (Innocent XI). Through their last wills, and thanks to the discovery of the original version of the first will (1658) signed by Cardinal Benedetto Odescalchi (text in the appendix), it was possible to analyze the evolution of the succession strategy as the family situation changes. The last part of the paper will focus on Odescalchi's network (religious orders, churches and pious places).