Welcome to Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. In today’s episode, we dive into some fascinating excerpts from a French academic study that takes a deep dive into the history of Geneva’s "hospitals" during the Reformation—a time when things were changing faster than you can say “John Calvin.”

Using a treasure trove of Geneva’s archives—think dusty Council records, financial ledgers, and notarial documents—the author pieces together the puzzle of how many hospices there were, where they were located, and how they actually worked before and during this whirlwind of religious and political upheaval.

Along the way, the study clears up a few historical mix-ups (because even historians need to fact-check), and gives us a clear picture of how Geneva’s social care system was reshaped to deal with the new Protestant reality. So, buckle up as we explore how caring for the poor, the local bourgeois, and weary travelers got a serious makeover in 16th-century Geneva—no miracle potions required!

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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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Welcome to Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. In today's episode, 'Meat, Power, and Rebellion: Geneva's Butchers vs. Authority (1536-1550),' we dive into the simmering tensions of Reformation-era Geneva. Picture this: a city caught between Calvin's strict moral order and a defiant butchers' guild determined to carve out their own rules. From price disputes to tax rebellions and even fights over prime real estate for their shops, the butchers weren’t afraid to challenge the city’s rulers. Add in some drama with roast houses and a few creative punishments, and you’ve got a recipe for a meaty historical showdown. Let’s explore how this battle over beef shaped Geneva’s political landscape.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." Today, we're exploring the administrative transformation of Geneva during the Reformation era.
In the 16th century, Geneva wasn't just experiencing religious upheaval; it was also undergoing a significant organizational revolution. The city's administrative documents, once in disarray, became the focus of a concerted effort to establish order and efficiency.
This period saw the creation of a dedicated archivist position, highlighting the growing importance of proper document management. Concurrently, we observe a fascinating linguistic shift: French, the vernacular, gradually replaced Latin in official documents, making administration more accessible to the general populace.
The city authorities also implemented new security measures to safeguard Geneva's rights and titles, including a sophisticated key system and the appointment of specific custodians. This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of preserving legal and historical records.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the establishment of a secretary role specifically for organizing city documents marks a significant step towards the professionalization of civic administration. This development offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of urban governance during this pivotal period.
These administrative reforms provide a unique lens through which we can examine the broader societal changes occurring in Reformation-era Geneva. They reveal a city not only grappling with religious transformation but also actively working to modernize its governance structures.
In our next episode, we'll delve deeper into how these administrative changes intersected with Calvin's theological reforms, exploring the complex interplay between religious ideology and practical governance in 16th-century Geneva.
Stay tuned, historians, as we continue to unravel the fascinating administrative history of Reformation Geneva.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode explores the fascinating history of illustrated books in Geneva from 1478 to 1600, delving into how political and religious shifts shaped their creation. We'll divide our journey into three key periods: the early Catholic era, the strictly Calvinist period, and the intellectually curious post-Calvin era.

During Calvin's time, illustrated book production dwindled, reflecting his views on imagery. But after his death, illustrations made a comeback, especially in historical and scientific texts. We'll uncover how Genevan illustrations, while scarce, served a clear purpose, focusing on education and information rather than mere decoration.

Finally, we'll highlight the significant influence of printers and engravers from Lyon and Basel, revealing the interconnectedness of the printing world. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of illustrated books in Geneva, exploring the complex relationship between religion, politics, and artistic expression during this transformative time.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In this episode, we delve into the intricate workings of Geneva's political institutions during a pivotal decade marked by the rise of the Reformation. Through an in-depth analysis of council records and historical documents, the study uncovers the mechanisms that shaped governance in the city.

The research focuses on the Petit Conseil, Geneva's executive body, examining its internal hierarchy, attendance patterns, and discrepancies in official records. These details reveal how decisions were made and implemented during this transformative period. By highlighting the complexities of governance and avoiding broad generalizations about longer historical periods, this episode offers a nuanced perspective on Geneva's political life amidst the challenges of religious and institutional change.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of 16th-century Geneva in this captivating podcast exploring the complex relationship between luxury and austerity during the Reformation. We'll challenge the common perception of strict Calvinist austerity, revealing how sumptuary laws aimed for moderation rather than asceticism. Discover the meaning behind Geneva's motto "Post Tenebras Lux" (Light After Darkness) and its connection to the city's adoption of the Reformation.

We'll uncover concrete examples of discreet luxury, particularly in book printing and binding, showcasing how opulence persisted in intimate ways despite religious reforms. The podcast will also delve into the challenges of understanding luxury during this period due to limited historical sources.

Finally, we'll draw intriguing comparisons between John Calvin and Girolamo Savonarola, examining the parallels and differences in their attempts to impose moral austerity on their respective cities. This exploration of Geneva's "golden austerity" offers a nuanced view of how the Reformation shaped daily life, culture, and consumption in one of the most influential cities of the time.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." Today, we're delighted to bring you an episode created by our special guests, Isabella Watt and Professor Jeff R. Watt, who are the editors of the "Registers of the Consistory of Geneva in the Time of Calvin". They invite us to dive into the juicy family drama of 16th-century Geneva, where even the great reformer John Calvin couldn't escape domestic turmoil.

Picture this: Calvin, the stern moralist, suddenly finds himself playing stepdad to two rebellious teenagers. That's right, folks! When Calvin married Idelette de Bure in 1540, he inherited her children from a previous marriage: Jacob and Judith Tourneur. Talk about an instant family!

Now, you might think Calvin's home would be a model of Protestant virtue, but oh boy, were these kids determined to test his patience. Judith, it seems, had a taste for scandal, getting caught up in an adulterous affair that set Geneva's gossip mill abuzz. Meanwhile, Jacob was busy living it up as Geneva's bad boy, his dissolute behavior making Calvin's hair even grayer than usual.

But here's where it gets really interesting. Calvin, the man who helped establish Geneva's strict moral code, now had to watch as his own stepchildren were hauled before the Consistory - the very court he helped create to enforce godly behavior. Talk about awkward family dinners!

Join us as we uncover how Calvin navigated this family crisis, balancing his roles as reformer, civic leader, and stepfather. Did he pull strings to protect his wayward stepchildren? Or did he let the full force of Geneva's moral law fall upon them? Tune in to find out how Calvin put his own house in order - or tried to - in this new episode of "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life?"

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." Journey back to 16th century Geneva in this captivating podcast exploring the city's management of death following the adoption of the Reformation. Discover how the authorities implemented new regulations for burials, established dedicated cemeteries, and appointed official gravediggers. We'll delve into the gradual development of civil registration, including the creation of records for baptisms, marriages, and deaths. Learn how these initiatives aimed to ensure public health, respect for the deceased, and better population control. The podcast will also examine efforts to set affordable burial prices and regulate funeral practices in the face of epidemics. This fascinating look at Geneva's approach to mortality offers unique insights into the social and administrative changes brought about by the Reformation in one of Europe's most influential cities of the time.

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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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating history of Geneva in the 16th century, a time when the city was grappling with cleanliness and hygiene issues. This podcast explores the challenges faced by Genevan authorities during the Reformation, from 1536 to 1600, in maintaining the cleanliness of the streets. Discover the ordinances put in place to compel residents to clean in front of their homes, the efforts to pave the streets, and the complex management of public toilets. We will also examine how these measures became crucial during plague epidemics, and how they shaped Geneva's urban environment. A captivating dive into the origins of urban hygiene and the persistent challenges of keeping a city clean in the face of its population's habits.

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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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Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we delve into the complex world of mental illness in 16th-century Geneva under Calvin's leadership. The Council of Geneva's archives reveal a nuanced approach to managing madness, with authorities distinguishing between local residents and foreigners. The city's response varied depending on the individual's behavior, particularly whether they were calm or disruptive to public order.

Through compelling cases like those of Nicolas de Mollie, Claude Sautier, and Benoîte Jaccon, we'll explore the challenges faced by both authorities and families in dealing with mental illness. This episode sheds light on how religion and social norms shaped the perception and treatment of madness in Calvin's Geneva, offering a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of life during the Reformation era.

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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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Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.