Carl Mayer Rothschild

Carl Mayer was a German banker and member of the Rothschild banking family who is credited for the establishment and management of the Italian branch office in Naples.

Born as the fourth son of Mayer Amschel and Guetele Schnapper, Carl was sometimes seen as the least gifted of the five brothers. In the Austrian occupation of Naples in 1821 the Rothschilds recognized the opportunity for their business expansion. Carl was sent to live in Naple, and from 1821 he became banker to the kingdoms of Sicily, Sardinia, and Naples, of the Papal States, and of the duchies of Parma and Tuscany.

Along with his brothers Carl was named baron in 1822, and consul-general of Sicily at Frankfort in 1829. At a ceremony with the new pope Gregory XVI in 1832, he received a ribbon and star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. His wife, Adelheid Herz, was known as a generous philanthropist in Naples society.

Carl died in 1855 in Naples. His properties and business were inherited by his children.