Chapter Marriage alliances and socio-economic mobility in Venetian Crete (16th century)

Abstract

This study examines socio-economic mobility and marriage alliances in sixteenth-century Venetian Crete, focusing on the Curcumeli family from the middle social stratum (cittadini). It analyzes the marital strategies and motivations behind the formation of unions and their connection to the business practices highlighting how marriage was used as a tool to forge alliances, consolidate wealth, elevate social status and enhance their role in the public sphere. Additionally, the study delves into the transfer of dowries, which provides valuable information about the wealth distribution, financial strategies, and familial dynamics of the time. Lastly, it examines other practices employed by the Curcumeli family in order to rise in social hierarchy and/or retain their wealth.