Episode April 8, 2025 21 min 48s

Genoa and the Sea: Policy and Power in an Early Modern Maritime Republic

This historical work investigates the maritime policies of the Republic of Genoa during the early modern period (roughly 1559-1684), examining how these policies intersected with the republic's political debates, commercial structures, and international relations, particularly against the backdrop of Spanish and French dominance. The author analyzes contemporary assessments and proposals regarding naval armament, port traffic, and shipping subsidies to understand the priorities and perceptions of the Genoese ruling class. The study explores Genoa's evolving relationship with the sea, from its early medieval roots and the establishment of its commercial empire to its later adaptation to a changing Mediterranean world dominated by larger nation-states. It examines internal political dynamics, such as the conflicts between old and new nobilities, and their influence on maritime and economic strategies. The text also scrutinizes Genoa's financial entanglements with Spain and the development of its free-port policy as an alternative to military power in maintaining its regional importance. Ultimately, the work aims to model the Genoese experience to provide insights into broader political and economic transformations in early modern Europe.

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