Genoa is a port city located in northwest Italy. It is the capital of the Liguria region with its urban area extending up into the surrounding hills. Genoa is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and one of the most important ports in all of Italy. Throughout history Genoa has had an important role as a maritime power. Its prime location on the Mediterranean set Genoa up for success with the ability to increase globalization and trade through connecting major countries through its crucial port.
The port was founded by Etruscan and Phoenician sailors in the 6th century BC due to its excellent location and because it could work as a natural port. Around this same time a Ligurian trading settlement was formed in Genoa. This later allied …show more content…
They would later go to war over these territories and Genoa would emerge victorious in 1284. Genoa greatly developed trade with the east and took advantage of the crusades creating connections with Byzantium in 1204 due to an increased demand for products from the middle east. In 1284 when Genoa defeated Pisa it gained control over trade with countries such as Turkey, Egypt, & the Russian Empire. As a result, Genoa became a center point between the European countries and the Middle East due to its newly formed abilities to connect these two regions. This allowed Genoa to greatly expand its economic power from the massive amounts of trade both entering and exiting its city ports. After this governing merchants in Genoa had power comparable to kings of European states. Their success in trade leads to vast demographic and urban expansion. …show more content…
Genoas port served the west as a gateway between the sea and the north. This helped to increase trade and naval expeditions. In these early years of development being able to trade and travel was crucial in order to continue to grow global relations and gain more knowledge of the world around them. Genoa is credited for making advancements in both sailing and maritime warfare. The years of naval discoveries in Genoa set the stage for sailors such as Cristopher Columbus to come about and continue this legacy. Much later down the road coming upon modern times some of the first steel works and railways were built Genoa. This shows how through history Genoa continued as a center for transportation and innovation. Being able to travel from a center point such as Genoa helped connect people from countries all around. So when looking upon Genoas overall significance you will see their importance in both trade and