The economy, women and social interactions in eighteenth-century Malta : a study of the acts of notary Bernardo Maria Callus, Vol.2, 1746-1748

Abstract

This study stems from my interest – fostered over the three years of undergraduate study – in the interaction between the relationship of the Order of St John and the people of Malta, the notion of history from below, the role of women in society and the social reality of individuals. The choice to work on notarial documents, specifically the second volume (1746-1748) of Notary Bernardo Maria Callus, provided me with all my interests on a silver platter and allowed an intimate glimpse into the daily life, traditions, values and aspirations of eighteenth-century individuals. This was aided by its legible calligraphy and the diversity of aspects therein, which portrayed an interesting picture of eighteenth-century Maltese society. The aim of this dissertation is to outline the various elements which together made up eighteenth-century Maltese society through the eyes of Notary Bernardo Callus and the people who sought his services. The notarial archives are to be treasured for their potential to provide unique information, perspectives and experiences, reflecting the intentions of the individuals whose lives are captured therein. They also provide reflections on the socio-economic and political situation of the time. This dissertation aims at reconstructing some of the stories contained in the folios of Notary Callus: tales of men and women, buildings and properties, within their wider Maltese-Mediterranean context.