The City State of Genoa (900-1550 AD)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, being hemmed in by a mountainous hinterland and not having many natural resources, Genoa chose to use sea trade as its vehicle to prosperity. The author points out that it cleverly used its participation in the First Crusade against the Saracens to win trade concessions from the Christian principalities and to dominate the major international trade routes between Europe and the East as a "middle man" in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea areas. The paper relates that its ultimate eclipse as an independent trading nation was due to internal feuding and its prolonged conflict with the other Italian maritime city-states of Venice and Pisa.

Table of Contents
Significance of Genoa's Geography
Relations with Foreign Powers
Early Trading
Genoa's Role in the First Crusade
Trade Routes
Genoese Trade with the Ottomans
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Genoa, therefore, became an important port city mainly as a result of its geography. But while looking to expand its possessions further the city-state faced several constraints. The Alps and Alpennines to the north meant that there was little scope of expansion inland. The area had little mineral resources and limited flat land for agriculture or pasture for animals. Fishing was not a lucrative option due to the sudden drop in the ocean beds from the coastline. Although it had access into Lombardy through a high road, beyond the valleys of Polcevera and Bisagno, lay the greater power of Milan precluding any ambitions of further advancement."

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