The maritime republics

A book in which the fates of the great maritime republics play out amongst harbours and journeys, commerce and conflict, sails, cannons and bills of exchange, as well documented by Ermanno Orlando in Le repubbliche marinare (The maritime republics), published by Il Mulino, which talks about Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice, reconstructing their glorious past on the Mediterranean, between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as their downfall once new routes across the Atlantic were established after the discovery of America. These are complex and fascinating stories about sailors and bankers, and small republics that carve out their own niche amongst empires (financing their ventures, too), to then decline at the onset of new and stronger economic and military powers. Yet, their enterprising abilities and proud identities certainly still deserve our attention. Le repubbliche marinare Ermanno Orlando Il Mulino, 2021