https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3335 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:03:24 GMT 2026-06-05T09:03:24Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146893 Title: Hospitaller Malta’s relations with Naples in the early eighteenth century through a study of correspondence of the Grand Master, 1700-1725 Abstract: The main purpose of the present dissertation is to reconstruct and examine the relationship between Hospitaller Malta and Naples in its eighteenth-century stage of development, with particular focus on the years from 1700 to 1725. These mutual relations will in turn help to explore the interconnectedness of their medical, diplomatic, economic, trade, and slave relations, highlighting how these particular areas of contact contributed to their mutual influence and cooperation. By examining these aspects, this research hopes to provide a deeper insight into their relationship, an untapped topic, as well as offer a thorough understanding of their shared history, and at the same time shedding light on the broader context of Mediterranean diplomacy and highlighting their importance in regional partnership. The present dissertation is organised into 3 thematic chapters. The Naval Warfare, Privateering and Diplomacy chapter details the intricate privateering, naval warfare, and diplomatic relations between Malta and Naples. It focuses on their shared commitment in the defence against Ottoman and Barbary corsairs. It also explores the set of laws, regulations and judicial institutions that governed privateering, maritime activities and conflicts in the Mediterranean during this period. Additionally, it examines the military tactics and ongoing conflicts, which shaped Mediterranean power, emphasising their cooperation in naval support and supplies. Malta and Naples maintained a good partnership rooted in religious and political interests aimed at preserving regional, Christian maritime dominance and geopolitical stability in the Mediterranean. The Economic and Social Relations between the Two States chapter explores the multifaceted economic and social ties between Malta and Naples. The section on trade highlights the extensive commercial relations, emphasising the exchange of a wide range of commodities such as food, textiles, and luxury goods. It also examines the important legal frameworks governing export practices, the vital role of maritime trade—including shipbuilding materials and licenses—and underscores the mutual economic respect, cooperation, and support that sustained their enduring commercial relationship. In addition, the chapter delves into Malta’s dependence on the Neapolitan Pazzarelli hospital for mental health treatment and related medical conditions. It traces the evolution of Malta’s healthcare institutions, exemplified by the establishment of the women’s hospital through benefactors like Caterina Scappi. Furthermore, the chapter examines the financial and administrative ties that facilitated cooperation in healthcare and highlights the progressive development of mental health services, reflecting the broader social and institutional connections between the two states. The Social and Political Institution of Slavery: The Maltese and Neapolitan Perspective chapter analyses the political and social aspects of slavery in early eighteenth century Malta and Naples, highlighting its economic importance, its diverse origins, and its decline. It explores the role slaves played in the building of the fortifications and other structures, domestic work, the maritime sector, as well as their religious and cultural integration. This chapter also explains the negotiations and intricate relationships between Malta, Naples, and other Mediterranean regions regarding the acquisition, use, and regulation of slaves. It is hoped that the present study will foster a deeper appreciation of the relationship between Hospitaller Malta and the Kingdom of Naples. This relationship has not been hitherto sufficiently researched and, in my opinion, is often side-lined by Malta’s dependency on Sicily. I have been fascinated with the vast and rich amount of archival information contained in the Grand Masters’ correspondence in the Archives of the Order of St John at the National Library of Malta in Valletta, which inspired me to explore this relationship even more. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146893 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144074 Title: For a cultural reading of the Italian Risorgimento in Sicily : the Euro-Mediterranean routes of Giuseppe La Farina, Carlo Gemelli, and Salvatore Chindemi 1800-1860 Abstract: This thesis examines the Sicilian Risorgimento through the biographies of three southern intellectuals and patriots who lived in southern Italy during the Bourbon monarchy of Naples in the first half of the 19th century. The focus is on the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, situated within a Euro-Mediterranean context where major powers of the time, such as Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and above all France and England, contended for the protection of the Bourbon kingdom, particularly Sicily. The study emphasizes the cultural education of three Sicilian patriots, their experiences during the cholera epidemic, the revolts of 1837, and their involvement in the Sicilian Revolution of 1848, as well as the subsequent Sicilian counterrevolution. Additionally, it explores their experiences of exile, with popular destinations including Tuscany, nearby Malta, France, Belgium, and Piedmont. Ultimately, Piedmont became the final destination for all three protagonists, where they embraced the unification efforts led by the Cavour faction and the House of Savoy, abandoning alternative solutions such as republicanism, separatism, and federalism. In terms of methodology, I employed a combination of three approaches: Mediterranean studies (New Thalassology), transnational cultural history, and the history of emotions. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144074 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140788 Title: Malta : political developments and data in 2023 : stirred, not shaken Authors: Fenech, Dominic Abstract: The year in politics was marked by the exposure of a number of scandals, chief among which concerned the privatisation of three public hospitals. Polls still continued to give the governing Labour Party a strong lead over the opposition Nationalist Party, which showed little sign of recovery. The economy performed well, but inflation hit people's spending power, and sustained growth continued to be reflected in overcrowding and congestion. The abortion debate closed in an anti-climax. A brighter picture emerged in foreign relations as Malta took its place in the UN Security Council and was chosen to chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140788 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140144 Title: 'For once the banner of St John flutters from atop a vessel, that vessel cannot pass to any other sovereign' : the sovereignty, war and diplomacy of the Hospitaller Island Order State on Malta Authors: Buttigieg, Emanuel Abstract: '...he erupted with devout joy speaking the words of Holy Simeon[:] "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine"', that is, 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace' (St Luke ii, 29-32) (NLM AOM259 f. 175v-176r, 17 July 1656). These words were uttered by Grand Master Fra Jean-Paul de Lascaris-Castellar (r.1636-1657). He was lying in bed, sick, unable in fact to carry out many of his duties as Grand Master, so much so that a lieutenant had been appointed to see to the day-to-day business of the Order and Malta. On 17 July 1656, the lieutenant brought the news to the sick Lascaris that a few days earlier, on 26 June, a joint Venetian-Maltese squadron had inflicted a significant defeat upon the Ottomans right at the mouth of the Dardanelles. It was this happy news that inspired Lascaris to proclaim - in imitation of Simeon at the Temple when he beheld the infant Christ - that having witnessed the greatness of God, his soul could now depart this world in peace. It would be another year before Lascaris actually passed away, on 14 August 1657, but at least for those few days during the summer of '56, Lascaris basked in the glory of the success of his navy, confident in the knowledge that this was a clear sign of God's blessing as his reign drew to a close. This battle was one episode in the 24-year-long Venetian-Ottoman conflict known as the War of Candia ( 1645-1669), a struggle that arguably began as a result of the daredevil actions of the Maltese galleys in the Eastern Mediterranean (Freller & Campoy, 2006). Whereas the galleys of the Order of Malta were Venice's most constant ally in this war against the Ottoman Empire, it did not mean that relations between the two were always harmonious (Mallia-Milanes, 1992). The account of the battle of 26 June 1656 will serve here as a case study to focus on the themes of sovereignty, war and diplomacy of the Hospitaller 'Island Order State' on Malta. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140144 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z