Port activities in mid-sixteenth century Malta

Abstract

Much has been written regarding various aspects of the long sojourn of the Knights of St. John on the island of Malta. Throughout this literature however there is one noticeable omission - a study on the mercantile and financial activities in and around the Grand Harbour during the first decades of the Order's rule. This dissertation aims to explore in greater detail various economic activities taking place in mid-sixteenth century Malta. In so doing it endeavours to present a comprehensive account of a topic which is so vital to the study of history. In order to reach this goal the mechanism of commerce with its agreements, its currencies, its trading posts and its nodal points have been analysed. Furthermore this dissertation strives to show how notarial evidence helps to fill in whole gaps. In view of this, a detailed examination of selected registers that deal almost exclusively with the harbour area has been undertaken. The first part of the dissertation highlights the challenges facing mid-sixteenth century Malta in its novel role as the headquarters of the Order of St. John. The subsequent chapters seek to provide an insight on the methods adopted by operators in the credit market, and the way in which trade was organised. Was the local entrepreneur responsive to the various challenges that came as a direct result of the Order's establishment? Was he in line with his European counterpart when conducting business transactions? Did privateering expeditions offer the prospect of great economic gain, and was this activity considered a relatively fast way of becoming financially more prosperous? Finally there follows a focus on various aspects of everyday life in Birgu. What were the social challenges facing the heterogeneous community residing in the new city? What was it like inside a merchant's shop and inside his house? These interesting glimpses will be derived from selected inventory lists of notable sixteenth century merchants.