From Ashes and Dust: Hospitale Misericordiae in Dubrovnik and its Operation in the Aftermath of the 1667 Earthquake

Sa？etak Based mainly on the oldest ledger of the Hospitale misericordiae started in the immediate aftermath of the Great Earthquake of 1667, along with other sources, this article examines the impact of this natural disaster on the operation of the foundling hospital located in the heavily devastated heart of the city of Dubrovnik. Analysis of the frequency of wet-nursing payment entries allows an insight into the normalisation of the functioning of this state-run charity institution in the time of crisis. The study of the restoration of the foundling hospital in the aftermath contributes to a better understanding of the extraordinary vitality and perseverance of the Dubrovnik Republic institutions, as well as organisational capacity of the individuals, members of the elites, who headed them