Chapter Peaceful conquest or skilful adaptation? The rise of genoese merchants in Aragon (1580-1620)

Abstract

This study analyses the strategies used by Genoese merchants to control trade and credit in Aragon between 1580 and 1620 without arousing social opposition, unlike the French merchants in the rest of the seventeenth century. The adaptation of their business both to the political and economic context and to the legal and institutional framework of the kingdom made it easier for them to gain the acceptance of the elites of Aragon and the representatives of the Spanish monarchy. Endogamous marriages were encouraged among the Genoese and any aspiration to political posts or honorary offices was sidelined to favour their professional progress. Only some decided to establish roots by marrying into regional petty noble families, acquiring houses, land and long-term debt in order to obtain income and create lordships and entailed estates, bringing their way of life close to that of the petty nobility.