The paper studies the commercial strategies enacted by carriers and merchants who sent goods through the Spluga Pass in the eighteenth century. Based on the 550 records (including commercial letters, waybills, invoices and six-month reports) made available at the Via Spluga and Val San Giacomo Museum we were able to analyse not only purchases and payments, destinations and commercial towns, but also the inevitable problems, such as damaged goods or late deliveries. A closer look at these documentary sources helps us to confirm that the Alps contributed to creating strong connections: far from being a barrier, they offered opportunities for economic and social development. The same was true of the towns located along the international route, which were not so marginal as the current situation might suggest.
The Spluga route in the 17th century. Transport systems, goods shipping, and trade relations between Lombardy and Europe
Maffi L.
2016-01-01
Abstract
The paper studies the commercial strategies enacted by carriers and merchants who sent goods through the Spluga Pass in the eighteenth century. Based on the 550 records (including commercial letters, waybills, invoices and six-month reports) made available at the Via Spluga and Val San Giacomo Museum we were able to analyse not only purchases and payments, destinations and commercial towns, but also the inevitable problems, such as damaged goods or late deliveries. A closer look at these documentary sources helps us to confirm that the Alps contributed to creating strong connections: far from being a barrier, they offered opportunities for economic and social development. The same was true of the towns located along the international route, which were not so marginal as the current situation might suggest.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
