Shoreline uses in the Mediterranean

In Le territoire du vide (1988), the body historian Alain Corbin describes the gradual change in the way we look at coastal areas from the end of the 18th century. Previously seen as repulsive, unhealthy and dangerous spaces, they gradually became spaces prized by the elite for their hygienic and aesthetic qualities. Doctors praised their health benefits, from the effects of the "bain à la lame" to the benefits of iodized air, and their use continued to grow and diversify. However, the scenario proposed by A. Corbin is based on oceanic areas: the Mediterranean is marginal, as it offers particularities that do not lend themselves well to this analysis. The RIVAGE project aims to shed light on this blind spot by exploring three avenues.

With a sea that is almost tideless, warmer and reputedly more gentle, we can hypothesize that the Mediterranean shoreline does not offer the same hostile aspect to populations used to "harvesting" it (D. Faget): we therefore propose to try to rediscover these familiar and pre-modern uses (baths, games, walks, etc.) that are very poorly known.

Moreover, the particularities of the Mediterranean climate (high sunshine, very contrasting wind patterns), the opposition between rocky coasts and lagoon coasts where malaria is rife, make the coastline a complex environment, which inspires hygienists to talk about its physical effects in a prolix and nuanced way. RIVAGE proposes to analyse them in the light of this diversity.

Finally, from these learned recommendations flow forms of appropriation, "modern" uses, and an economy of cures and seaside tourism. We would like both to compare them with those described by A. Corbin for oceanic spaces and to study the way in which they articulate (extensions, coexistence, conflicts) with the familiar perceptions and uses inherited from the past.

Coordination of the project

RIVAGE project leader : Anne Carol (TELEMME)

Duration

October 2020 to March 2022