The reaction to Protestantism in Malta, Sicily and Sardinia between 1517 and 1580 : a comparative historical study

Abstract

In this dissertation a comparative analysis is attempted on the way the reaction to Protestantism was conducted in three central Mediterranean islands, namely Malta, Sicily and Sardinia, between the years 1517 and 1580. The primary research aim was to fill an existing gap in the current available literature. At present the literature discusses the Inquisition or more specifically on Protestantism, solely pertaining to the island in question. Here, the institutions that sought to contain the spread and the methods used to repel individuals from adopting Protestant beliefs are analysed via a comparative approach. The research was based on primary and secondary sources written in either English, Latin, Italian and Spanish. The dissertation is split into six chapters. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the dissertation, focusing on the overall subject, that is the Protestant Reformation, and then progressing onto different facets of the ‘Reaction’. Chapter 2 analyses the reaction as conducted in Malta, whilst Chapters 3 and 4 pertain to Sicily and Sardinia respectively. Chapter 5 brings the dissertation together via an analysis focusing on seven themes, which in their own separate manner were an agent by which the Protestant Reformation sought to be contained and orthodoxy conserved. The focus is on the similarities and differences between the three islands, however one shall find references to the wider context. Chapter 6 is a conclusion to the dissertation. Three institutions were found to have been the main players, namely, the Holy Office, the Jesuits and the State. What stands out is that there was no tolerance and individuals were told what to believe, shamed, made fun of, pauperised and even had their life taken. Caution is advised to not take the material found herein out of context, as today we are living in a world and environment with different standards and expectations. The aim here is simply to showcase an interpretation as to why the powerful force of the Protestant Reformation, which made great noise in continental Europe, failed to do so in Malta, Sicily and Sardinia.