Some aspects of Veneto-Maltese commercial relations during the XVIII century

Abstract

The aspects chosen for detailed study cover two principal, inter-connected phases of these commercial relations, each of which, in turn, is tackled from another two different aspects. Part I comprises Veneto-Maltese consular relations. It traces the origins and course of development of both the Maltese consulate in Venice and of the Venetian consulate in Malta ; and by setting the whole Maltese consular system against the background of international practice as followed by Venice, it places the idiosyncratic qualities and features of the Maltese system, particularly the method of appointment of foreign consuls in Malta, in their proper perspective. Whenever possible, and this depended upon the availability and accessibility of archival documentation, the individual Maltese and Venetian consuls are also studies. With a Maltese consulate : Venice and a Venetian consulate in Malta firmly established, commercial intercourse between the countries took on a more organised and shapely character. Part II investigates Veneto-Maltese trade relations. The first aspect of this section deals with the attempt, on the Republic’s part, to arrive at a bilateral, preferential trade agreement with Malta and studies the Venetian grain, timber and book trades with the Order of St. John. The second aspect of Part II is chiefly concerned with Venetian merchant shipping in Malta, and the exploitation by Venice of all the facilities available in the Island in order to expand and consolidate her commercial ties with Sicily, Southern Italy and North Africa.