The land, the sea and the eight-pointed cross : economy and material life in mid-16th century Malta

While extensive use has been made of notarial acts for the reconstruction of late Medieval aspects of life, their use for the Early Modern period has so far been limited. The themes to be discussed in this article transpire from the notarial deeds of Notary Juliano Muscat for the years 1545 and 1546. Notary Muscat was a highly respected and well-connected man in society. His terms of reference stated that he was allowed to practice his notarial profession throughout the lands held by the Knights Hospitallers and his clientele included such prominent persons as the Reverend Domenico Cubelles, Bishop of Malta, and the Noble Nicola Camilleri, Mayor of Mdina.peer-reviewe