1683: Political Agents, Preachers, and Signs from the Sky: The Circulation of News

Between the end of June and the beginning of July 1683, the Ottoman army crossed the border of the Holy Roman Empire and displayed its intention to attack the city of Vienna. The news that circulated in Europe in that year largely focused on expectations, opinions, and analyses related to that crucial moment. Some awaited it, while others feared it. Some considered it imminent for long months, while others argued it was impossible or unlikely until the last days of spring. Through the study of the mediatization of such a battle, historians have the opportunity to reflect on the multiple dimensions of the concept of ‘news’.