Consulado del Mar

The Consulado del Mar, or "Consulate of the Sea," was a maritime legal institution established in medieval Spain, particularly in Barcelona, around the 14th century. It served to regulate maritime trade and shipping activities, providing oversight on contracts, disputes, and navigation rules. It aimed to protect the interests of merchants and sailors, ensuring that commerce was conducted fairly and safely. Additionally, the Consulado del Mar codified laws that helped standardize maritime practices across the Mediterranean, influencing trade laws in later centuries and contributing to the development of maritime law.