| This was a
state that dramatically influenced all of Mediterranean trade. It was
situated on the crossroads of the most vital trade routes. Venice arose
in the middle of the 5th century. Later, in the 9th and 10th centuries,
it became the largest trading centre between Europe and Asia. During the
crusades it was involved in supplying and transporting armies of
crusaders, which later gave it very important trade privileges. In 1380,
Venice managed to cope with its European trade competitor, Genoa. The
15th century brought a number of trading cities under its wing - Padua,
Vincenza, Verona, Brescia, Bergamot, Ravenna, Faenza, Cremona and
Friulle. The conquest of Constantinople by the Turkish army was a
serious blow to Venice. The Venetian fleet led a furious fight against
the barbarian pirates who strove to control the Mediterranean Sea. Due
to the development of relations with the "New World" and the
relocation of many main trade routes, Venice lost its primary status but
still remained the richest Mediterranean state. |
