An Ocean of Laws: Medieval and Early Modern Mediterranean and Global History

Professor Maria Fusaro, University of Exeter

Abstract

The lecture will focus on the relationship between early modern global and maritime history, and shall argue for the importance of the legal element in shaping both. Starting with reflection elicited by three ERC-funded projects on the Early Modern Mediterranean, I shall discuss why the interconnectivity generated by legal interactions in that time and place played a vital role in the shaping of the modern world. We need to recognise the importance of this legal history and reassess the neglected importance of Mediterranean developments within global history, thus giving it its proper place in our research agendas.

About our speaker

Professor Maria Fusaro’s research interests lie in the social and economic history of late medieval and Early Modern Europe. Her research has focused on commercial networks and the role they played in the early phases of globalization; on the economic, social and cultural analysis of late medieval and early modern empires and on the early modern development of legal institutions supporting trade. She is currently PI on a ERC Consolidator Grant entitled ‘Sailing into Modernity: Comparative Perspectives on the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century European Economic Transition'.

*Registration for this event is required, by 26 November at 12PM. Details on how to join the online event will be sent to registered participants very shortly afterwards.