Alberico Gentili

Alberico Gentili
Engraved portrait of Gentili
Regius Professor of Civil Law
In office
1587–1608 (his death)
MonarchElizabeth I
Preceded byWilliam Mowse
Succeeded byJohn Budden
Personal details
Born14 January 1552
San Ginesio, Macerata, Italy
Died19 June 1608(1608-06-19) (aged 56)
London, England
SpouseHester de Peigne
RelationsScipione Gentili (brother)
ChildrenRoberto Gentili
Parent(s)Dr Matteo Gentili
Lucrezia Petrelli
Alma materUniversity of Perugia
Known forSubstantial contributions to the theory of international law, human rights and war;
First writer on public international law;
Regius Professor

Alberico Gentili (14 January 1552 – 19 June 1608) was an Italian jurist, a tutor of Queen Elizabeth I, and a standing advocate to the Spanish Embassy in London, who served as the Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford for 21 years.[note 1] He is regarded as the co-founder of the field of international law,[note 2] and thus known as the "Father of international law".[note 3] The first medieval writer on public international law,[note 4] in 1587 Gentili became the first non-English person to be a Regius Professor.[note 5] He also authored numerous books, which are recognized to be among the most essential sources for international legal doctrines, yet that also include theological and literary subjects.[note 6]


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