The Attack on Gozo of 1551 and its effects on the Gozo population – Part II : the aftermath of 1551 : economic aspects (till c.1600)

Abstract

One very important aspect to consider following the events mentioned in the previous article is the economic aspect. The attack, besides resulting in the enslaving of many of the inhabitants had also a huge economic effect on the island and its inhabitants including claims to untitled lands which eventually led to quarrels between people. This aspect, along with the power of the Church, is analysed with special reference to the Registrum Fundationum Beneficiorum Insulae Gaudisii (in short RFBIG). The administration’s efforts to revive the island economically are also considered. A fundamental part of this article deals with the ways by which Gozo remedied its demographic deficit. The decisions of the Order played a fundamental part in repopulating the island and thus preventing it from being used as a base by the Muslim corsairs.