https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3336 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:10:08 GMT 2026-06-05T02:10:08Z 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/123456789/139178 Title: Stories of change : unveiling 1950s and 1960s Malta through Guido Stilon’s lens Abstract: For the past three years, my weekends have been dedicated to working on Guido Stilon’s photographic collection, identify each photograph which remains stored in the Magna Żmien archive, working alongside Dr. Andrew Pace and Kristina Polidano (Kris). Though the process was long and trying, being exposed to these visual snippets of Malta’s past gave me a renewed perspective on the period in which Stilon was active, namely the 1950s and 1960s. The period has always intrigued me and while Stilon’s photographs were undoubtedly shaped by his privileged position, they remain valuable to the broader scope of historical research, offering a fresh outlook to an already well-studied era in Malta’s history. The idea of creating a visual narrative and analysis using Stilon’s collection was influenced by my personal interest in historical movies, since being a visual learner myself, movies help me to better understand and visualise historical contexts. When it came came to select a dissertation topic, I had recently watched a biographical movie called Lee, starring Kate Winslet as Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller, a wartime photographer. The movie makes use of Miller’s photographs as a narrative device, tracing her journey through war-torn Europe as she captured stills of what everyday life looked for millions experiencing the war at the frontlines. The idea behind the movie intrigued me and prompted me to incorporate a similar methodology in my own dissertation. However, the size and availability of Stilon’s archive posed a challenge since his photographs, which span a wide range of themes — including family, friendship, youth, society, sport, travel, education, politics, religion, and labour — made the selection process quite difficult. While I wanted to showcase as much of his work as possible to present a well-rounded depiction of the period, the restrictive word count and timeframe made this unfeasible. As a compromise, the structure of the main chapters revolve around three broad themes, including economic development, societal changes concerning women, and political identity, allowing for further expansion. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/139178 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/139042 Title: An analysis on Soviet-Maltese diplomatic relations in Maltese newspapers during the 1970s Abstract: During the 1970s, Soviet-Maltese diplomatic relations played a big role in Malta’s foreign policy as the island nation navigated its position of neutrality within the wider context of the Cold War. This dissertation examines how these relations were portrayed in Maltese newspapers, focusing on the framing and narratives employed by numerous key publications such as Times of Malta and L-Orizzont. By using qualitative content analysis and drawing on framing theory, the study explores recurring themes and trends in newspaper articles during important and significant diplomatic events, such as official visits and trade agreements. The findings reveal that political affiliation of newspapers strongly influenced their coverage, with pro-Labour publications portraying the relationship between the Soviet Union and Malta as an opportunity for economic and political diversification, while the more conservative outlets expressed skepticism, often aligning with Western concerns about Soviet influence and intentions. This research contributes to the historiography of Malta’s Cold War-era diplomacy and media studies by highlighting the interplay between media coverage and foreign policy. It also underscores the important role of the media in shaping public perceptions during a time of global ideological tensions between the two superpowers. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/139042 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z