The historical differentiations of the insular mountain - understanding the socio-pastoral dynamics in Corsica and Sardinia

Abstract

The ancient rural societies of Corsica and Sardinia are characterised by strong inequalities, on the one hand physical, due to contrasts between plains or hillsides with high agronomic potential and rocky mountains, and on the other hand land, with the concentration of land by rural notables. Taking these inequalities into account through an approach in terms of layered agrarian systems sheds light on the contradictory dynamics of agriculture on the two islands. The work of Giuseppe Doneddu, however, gives Sardinian research a head start thanks to his work on the formation of the wealthy rural classes in Sardinia in the modern era, their monopolisation of livestock and the gradual concentration of pastoral land in their hands. On the other island, which is itself agro-pastoral, a "Corsican path to development" based on perennial crops rather than live stock is taking shape and shaping the landscape.