Hunting Regulations in Geneva (1536-1550)

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we're exploring the fascinating world of hunting regulations in 16th-century Geneva. Between 1536 and 1550, the city's leaders, known as the Seigneurie, implemented a complex system of ordinances to manage wildlife resources. These laws prohibited hunting certain species during specific seasons, primarily to protect game animals and ensure their reproduction.

But this wasn't just about conservation. The hunting regulations became a flashpoint for political tensions, particularly with neighboring Bernese bailiffs and nobles who challenged Geneva's authority. Despite the strict rules on paper, enforcement was often flexible, with exceptions made for special events. This nuanced approach to game management offers us a unique window into the intricate web of local politics, resource management, and social hierarchies in Calvin's Geneva. Join us as we uncover how something as seemingly simple as hunting regulations can reveal the complex dynamics of a city in the throes of religious and social transformation.

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This historical popularization podcast is developed as part of the interdisciplinary project entitled "A semantic and multilingual online edition of the Registers of the Council of Geneva / 1545-1550" (RCnum) and developed by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), as part of funding from the Swiss National Scientific Research Fund (SNSF). For more information: https://www.unige.ch/registresconseilge/en.

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