Exploring Maltese society before the Great Siege through the Acts of Notary Matteo De Brincat

During the sixteenth century the Spanish Crown granted Malta to the Order of St John, which immediately set off a process of transformation of the islands from a backwater to a cosmopolitan hub in the Mediterranean.

In this FAA presentation Ryan Grech shall explore Maltese society on the eve of the Great Siege, as expressed in notarial acts of the period. This is a great opportunity to come as close as possible to the individuals of the time and get to know them better.

Thanks to these documents, Ryan Grech was able to reconstruct the social, political and economic situations of the time, as Notary Matteo De Brincat travelled to different villages in Malta, preparing deeds which included people from different levels of the social scale from nobles to clergymen and commoners, and which throw light on womens role in society, business transactions, property and inheritances, reflecting dynamic sixteenth century Maltese society.

Ryan Grech is a University of Malta history graduate, as well as being an alumnus of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (University of Malta). He has recently carried out an analysis on sixteenth-century Maltese society and also examined European politico-economic and technological aspects in the first half of the nineteenth-century.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) is an independent voluntary organisation, reg. VO 101 which does not receive state funding. We work to preserve Malta’s heritage, environment and quality of life – your support of our events, your donations and membership ensure a better, healthier Malta for all. You can join or donate to FAA here

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Venue: Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana

Date/Time: Wednesday 8th May, at 6.30pm. Guests are requested to be seated by 6.15pm.