VERMIS SERICUS. SERICICULTURE AND THE SILK TRADE BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF VALENCIA AND ITALY IN THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD (C. 1550-1640).

Silk is a textile fibre of animal origin that shines in a very unique way, not only for its valued intrinsic qualities, but also for the role it has played in the contact of different civilisations throughout history. It was at the beginning of the early modern period when this raw material acquired a global dimension, closely connected with the incipient globalisation (led by the Iberian empires) and the progressive development of capitalist economies. Spain and Italy played a key role in this expansion, being the two pioneering territories in the development of sericulture and silk production in Europe. The book focuses on the commercial connection between the two peninsulas, paying particular attention to the production and export of silkworm eggs between the Kingdom of Valencia and central-northern Italy between 1550 and 1640. This raw material was essential for the development of sericulture in both regions and became a highly sought-after commodity in the international market during the period covered by this study.

Drawing on a substantial and unique documentary sample from both Italian and Spanish archival collections, this book meticulously traces the evolution of the commercial flow of Spanish silkworm eggs (primarily Valencian) to Italy between the mid-16th century and the first third of the 17th century. It provides a comprehensive analysis of its impact on the economic development of the involved territories, as well as the articulation of transnational commercial and financial networks capable of connecting the producing regions and the consuming markets.