Husband-wife relations in late medieval Malta 1486-1488

Abstract

The family was a central institution in medieval society. People were generally born, grew and lived in families. Thus, an understanding of interpersonal relations within the family-structure is essential for understanding late medieval Maltese society.' Yet what does the term 'family' mean? It can equally be understood to imply the kin as well as the nuclear family. Given the wide range of relationships encapsulated in the term 'family', a definition of what is understood by the term 'family' is necessary. The following discussion will only look at the nuclear family, primarily focusing on the husband - wife relationship in late medieval Malta.