Resumen

RUIZ MARTINEZ, Herlinda. From Civil to Ecclesiastical Authority The Trials Against Nicolás de Ales in New Spain, 1590-1592. Estud. hist. novohisp [online]. 2025, n.72, pp.145-173.  Epub 29-Abr-2025. ISSN 2448-6922.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iih.24486922e.2025.72.77864.

In 1590, a French vessel shipwrecked on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan peninsula. The survivors were prosecuted for pillage by the civil authorities. However, suspicions of offenses against the faith led to the opening of inquisitorial trials against three of the sailors, among whom the Flemish surgeon Nicolás de Ales stood out. The aim of this case study is to analyze the origin, development, and conclusion of both the criminal and faith prosecutions against the surgeon. In the processes we can appreciate the transition from a criminal trial to an ecclesiastical one, and show the influence Merida’s population exerted to safeguard the foreigner. The use of the deductive method and judicial history will reveal the secrets held within the unpublished file against De Ales and highlight the actions of the judges.

Palabras llave : Nicolás de Ales; foreigner; authorities; civil justice; piracy; Holy Office; lutheranism.

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