Genoese Navy | |
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Marineria Genovese | |
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Active | 1005–1797 |
Country | Republic of Genoa |
Type | Navy |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Andrea Doria, Guglielmo Embriaco, Benedetto I Zaccaria |
The Genoese navy was the naval contingent of the Republic of Genoa's military. From the 11th century onward the Genoese navy protected the interests of the republic and projected its power throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It played a crucial role in the history of the republic as a thalassocracy and a maritime trading power.
Through the 17th and 18th century the power of the Genoese navy and fleet declined, thanks to bankers and no longer merchants being the strongest economic force in the Republic.[1]
The Genoese navy was finally disbanded following the annexation of Genoa by the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont in 1815.