Geneva's Fisheries and the Reformation

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we dive into the murky waters of 16th-century Geneva's fishing industry. Under the seigneury regime, fishing wasn't just about catching fish; it was a complex web of administrative and legal challenges. The Council of Geneva's records reveal a fascinating tale of conflict and regulation surrounding this vital economic activity.

Fishing rights were a constant source of tension between the bishop, local lords, and the powerful city of Bern. The Council meticulously managed fishing leases, distinguishing between "long-term fishing" and the curiously specific "Wednesday fishing." But it wasn't all about who could fish where. The sale of fish was strictly regulated, and illegal fishing incidents were not uncommon. At the heart of this aquatic drama was the prized trout, a luxury item that held both economic and symbolic importance in Geneva's society. Join us as we explore how something as seemingly simple as fishing illuminates the complex power dynamics of a city in the throes of religious and social transformation.

Last little point: there is no book, just a brief study on these fisheries :-)

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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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