Trade and connectivity in the Mediterranean : the Marquis Gio’ Pio de Piro and his activities, c.1730-c.1750 : a study of his correspondence

Abstract

Imagine taking a picture with a camera on a slow shutter speed: the picture captures those movements and changes occurring within a fixed composition during a short period of time. In a similar way, this dissertation too, with its focus on the Mediterranean, tries to map the progression of life within a select timeframe. Written in fulfilment of the Faculty of Arts postgraduate course in Mediterranean Studies, this dissertation revolves around the Mediterranean of the first half of the eighteenth century, and in order to be able to analyse such a broad subject matter, the viewpoint of an individual involved in trade is taken. Trade is singled out as an activity as it is by default associated with connectivity, due to the reality of Malta being an island. Gio’ Pio de Piro (1673-1752) is chosen as the protagonist of this study precisely because of his engagement in trade and his endeavours in commercial and societal affairs overseas. The methodology of microhistory enables such detailed scrutiny of the practices and customs of Gio’ Pio and provides more intimate means to understand how the Mediterranean was engaged with in the past: it is the aim of this dissertation, ultimately, to discern how the Mediterranean was lived, experienced and perceived by an individual in history. In this way, an alternative – but complementary – form to the traditional historiography of the Mediterranean of the first half of the eighteenth century is conveyed. This dissertation starts with an introductory chapter where the political and economic context of the first half of the eighteenth century is laid out, which is followed by a discussion of its historiography, as well as the methodology and the sources used. The second chapter analyzes the different types of networks Gio’ Pio formed part of, in terms of legal frameworks and social connectivity. It also takes into consideration the effect of geography, nature and the weather on Gio’ Pio’s life and his engagements. The third chapter is dedicated to the types of trade that Gio’ Pio partook in, divided into the categories of agriculture, slavery and luxury items. The final chapter considers Gio’ Pio as a consumer and analyzes his economic transactions, including his material culture, in particular art, jewellery and clothing.