The domestic consumption of firewood in preindustrial Seville, 1518–1775. An intensive bias driven by the Mediterranean diet

Fuelwood was the main domestic fuel in the Mediterranean Basin during the early modern age, although the consumption level was lower than in other latitudes. The calculation of annual real prices and per capita household consumption figures in Seville from 1518 to 1775 reveals a complex evolution co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European review of economic history 2021-05, Vol.25 (2), p.280-299
Main Authors: Bartolomé Rodríguez, Isabel, González-Mariscal, Manuel
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Fuelwood was the main domestic fuel in the Mediterranean Basin during the early modern age, although the consumption level was lower than in other latitudes. The calculation of annual real prices and per capita household consumption figures in Seville from 1518 to 1775 reveals a complex evolution connected to a European-wide scenario. As expected, low levels of domestic fuelwood use were maintained in accordance with climate and heating requirements, but contrary to prior assumptions, a substantial increase is evidenced as of 1630. The growing supply of firewood from tree-crops, leading to a decrease in real prices, ran parallel to an early diet shift to pulses and the corresponding extension of cooking times.
ISSN:1361-4916
1474-0044
DOI:10.1093/ereh/heaa013