The Mediterranean and the Spanish Golden Age

The Department of History of the University of Cagliari and the CNRS Institute for the Studies of Mediterranean Europe have organised an international conference under the theme of Sardegna, Spagna, Mediterraneo, Atlantico dai Re Cattolici al Secolo d'Oro.

Among the historians mostly from Spanish, Italian, French and Austrian universities taking part in this conference were Professor Victor Mallia-Milanes of the University of Malta, and the director of the Mediterranean Institute, Dr Simon Mercieca.

Professor Mallia-Milanes discussed the role of the Order of St John in containing the expansion of Islam in early modern times. His paper was entitled L' Ordine dell'ospidale e le Spedizione anti-islamiche della Spagna nel Mediterraneo. Dal primo assedio di Rodi all'assedio di Malta.

Dr Mercieca focused on the Sardinian community in Malta in the Hospitaller period in a paper entitled Scambi marittimi nel Mediterraneo centrale fra Corsi, Sardi e Spagnoli in Età Moderna.

Both papers generated a very lively discussion.

This conference was organised in collaboration with the local council of Mandas in Sardinia, and was partially covered by EU funding for the revaluation of European historic towns and villages.

One hopes that once Malta joins the EU, our local councils would take advantage of the funds aimed for the regeneration of historic centres both through academic conferences and studies and through physical interventions such as restoration projects.