Abstract

DUVE, Thomas. The Treaty of Tordesillas: ¿'spatial revolution'? Cosmography, juridical practice and History of international public law. Rev. hist. derecho [online]. 2017, n.54, pp.1-10. ISSN 1853-1784.

In recent times, the bulls issued by Pope Alexander as well as the Treaty of Tordesillas have been considered an expression of a new conception of space. In this context, many authors have drawn on Carl Schmitt's writings, who considered the bulls and the treaty as the beginning of a 'spatial revolution'. Is this interpretation correct? - The present article reconstructs several aspects of the juridical practice of drawing lines of demarcation before, during and after Tordesillas. The analysis demonstrates that both the papal bulls and the treaty should be interpreted in light of preceding practices. Notwithstanding this, there is a remarkable shift in the interpretation of the treaty during the initial years of the 16th century due to the dynamic evolution of cartography.

Keywords : Treaty of Tordesillas - History of international law - Demarcation lines - Cosmography - Carl Schmitt..

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