Agora que Portugal tem rey que o governe, pay que o console, senhor que o defenda (…) Senhor, levai-me para vós. D. Rodrigo da Cunha e a Restauração de 1640

Some events have the power to shape the course of History. These are the so-called events-advents. This study examines the role played by a particular individual in a specific historical process: Rodrigo da Cunha and his participation in the 1640 Portuguese Restauração, one of several revolts that undermined the powerful Spanish monarchy. According to the testimonies of those who praised him after his death, this archbishop of Lisbon, who in the 1630s claimed to be a loyal servant of King Philip IV of Spain, had confided he would die in peace because, thanks to King John IV, Portugal was once again ruled by a king, comforted by a father, and defended by a master. In what way did Rodrigo da Cunha participate in the preparations and coup of December 1, 1640? What was his role in the course of events between that moment and 1643? Why did he betray the kings he had served for more than two decades? This study answers these questions by analysing a wide collection of sources that document the archbishop’s actions. It also aims to reflect on the practice of politics in the first half of the 17th century drawing on a case study focused on the figure of a clergyman.