Bedmar, Alfonso de la Cueva, marqués de, 1572-1655
Spanish diplomat who is believed to have been responsible for the "conspiracy of Venice" in 1618. De la Cueva was the Spanish ambassador to Venice before being made marqués de Bedmar in 1614. He used his diplomatic authority to advance the schemes of the Spanish viceroys of Milan and Naples to increase Spanish influence in Italy. In retaliation, the Venetian government manufactured a conspiracy to take control of the republic to have grounds to expel de la Cueva.