The author Johannes Palatius (Giovanni Palazzi) was born in 1646. He was a Doctor iuris utriusque (doctor of both laws: secular and canonical law); in addition, he held the title Doctor Marci Canonias. In 1684, he became professor of canonical law in Padua. He took over the rectorate of Santa Maria in Venice in 1688 rather than continue his academic career. He was nevertheless appointed imperial advisor and historiographer. He concentrated on history and composed a great number historical works, including his well known work on the European rulers and dynasties since Charles the Great, "Monarchia occidentalis a Carolo M. usque ad Leopoldas I," which appeared in eight folio volumes. In his writings, he used the Latin version of his name, Ioannes Palatius. He died in the year 1703.