Republic of Genoa

• Coat of arms/Flag
• Capital City- Genoa
• Other Settlements –
• Places –
• Languages – Italian, Ligurian, Latin
• Religion(s) – Roman Catholic
• Government – Oligarchic merchant republic
• Legislature –
• Current Ruler – Pietro di Campofregoso (Doge)
• Other Notable residents –

The Republic of Genoa is an independent state on the northwestern Italian coast, incorporating Corsica and numerous other territories throughout the Mediterranean.

When Genoa emerged as an independent city-state, a “Maritime Republic”. Trade, shipbuilding and banking helped support one of the largest and most powerful navies in the Mediterranean.

Genoa is far more than a depot of drugs and spices from the East: an essential engine of its economy is silk textiles and many aristocratic Genoese families amassed tremendous fortunes.

The collapse of the Crusader States was offset by Genoa’s alliance with the Byzantine Empire. As Venice’s relations with the Byzantine Empire were temporarily disrupted by the Fourth Crusade and its aftermath, Genoa was able to improve its position. Genoa took advantage of this opportunity to expand into the Black Sea and Crimea. Due to its wealth the city attracted many artists and architects.

Internal feuds between the powerful families, the Grimaldi and Fieschi, the Doria, Spinola, and others cause much disruption, but in general the republic was run much as a business affair.

Genoa’s political zenith came with its naval victory over the Republic of Pisa and a temporary victory over its rival, Venice.

However, this prosperity did not last recent events have been tumultuous for Genoa. As a result of the economic retrenchment in Europe, as well as its long war with Venice, Genoa has gone into decline. This pivotal war with Venice resulted in the defeat of Genoa.

The Republic became a pawn in the struggle between France and Aragon for power and influence in Italy. Threatened by Aragon, the Doge of Genoa handed the Republic over to the French, becoming the Duchy of Genoa under the control of a French royal governor. After a period of French domination, Genoa has come under rule by the Visconti of Milan. Genoa lost Sardinia to Aragon, Corsica to internal revolt and its Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Asia Minor colonies to the Ottoman Empire.