Between 1578 and 1616, Seville accumulated wealth from the New World, attracting a multitude of people. This constant flow of gold and silver brought with it an increase in crime. To control the chaos, local authorities resorted to exemplary punishments such as hanging and banishment. The city sought to maintain order amidst its prosperity.
Engineering for silver: the aqueducts of Almadén 🏗️
While Seville was hanging thieves, in Almadén aqueducts were being built to supply water to the mercury mines. This mineral was essential for the amalgamation method, which allowed for efficient silver extraction in the American colonies. The hydraulic works, built with great effort, guaranteed a continuous supply to maintain production. Without this technical advancement, silver would not have flowed as easily into the royal coffers.
Justice that could not keep up ⚖️
While engineers moved water, Seville's justice moved gallows. The judges, overwhelmed by so many thieves, imposed harsh penalties hoping to frighten the population. But the problem was not the lack of punishment, but the abundance of rogues. In the end, the solution was simple: if you couldn't handle the criminal, at least make sure the mercury mine had water to keep producing wealth.