The Rest Is History 608. Nelson: Slaughter in Naples (Part 1)
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Oct 12, 2025 Explore the dramatic arrival of Horatio Nelson in Naples after his triumph at the Battle of the Nile. Discover how his connection with the captivating Lady Emma Hamilton would significantly impact his life. Delve into the political turmoil of Naples and the foiled Neapolitan campaign to oust the French, which would tarnish Nelson's reputation. Unpack the moral complexities of his decisions amid fierce criticism and how Emma became a scapegoat for his actions. It's a tale of glory, intrigue, and the unintended consequences of war.
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Triumphant Arrival And Hamilton Welcome
- Naples greeted Nelson like a conquering hero with parades, banquets and public adulation.
- Emma Hamilton personally fawned over and tended Nelson, amplifying his celebrity and vanity.
Naples' Volatile Social Divide
- Naples combined a reactionary popular mob (the Lazzaroni) and an enlightened metropolitan elite, creating explosive instability.
- That social split made Naples uniquely vulnerable to rapid revolutionary change and violent counter-reaction.
Hamiltons Become Nelson's Inner Circle
- Nelson became closely attached to Sir William and Emma Hamilton and accepted their hospitality in Naples and Palermo.
- Emma nursed him, cut his food, and constantly praised him, heightening his vanity and emotional reliance on her.
