Abstract
Georg Adam II. von Martinitz (1645 - 1714), the grandson of Jaroslav von Martinitz, well-known hero of the Prague defenestration, became head of the family in 1685. Already in 80s he was engaged in the imperial diplomatic service, but a really prestige commission he obtained in 1695.
Martinitz became only the second lay imperial envoy to Rome and he held this office in a self-confident way, defending the interests of Emperor. After several ceremonial disputes in the cause of emperor's sovereignty, he was removed in 1700.
Shortly after that he gained a high position of the Imperial Court Marshal. In 1707 he was appointed to viceroy of Naples, where he entered with a small army, but after several months he had to withdraw due to discords between both Habsburg brothers (Josef I. and Karl III.).
Next to his family castle in Smečno he left a remarkable monument in remembrance of his Italian activities: two obelisks.