L’oro rosso di Tabarca. Aspetti organizzativi e gestionali della pesca del corallo barbaresco tra XVI e XVIII secolo

The tradition of coral fishing in the western Mediterranean has deep historical roots and has long been of considerable economic and social importance. This practice not only stimulated the creation of new settlements and subsequent migrations, but also gave rise to highly profitable and long-lasting entrepreneurial ventures. The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics and organisational characteristics of the Ligurian fishermen from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. Particular attention will be paid to specific regions where the Genoese presence was closely linked to political events, such as Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, the Barbary Coast and the island of Tabarca.