Genoese Mysteries

Every secret has its own expiration date! So the Genoese (mystery) - the story, has (its expiration date!) - its beginning!

On the site of modern Genoa from the VI - V centuries BC there was a settlement of the ancient Italian tribe of Ligurs, in the IV century a Greek colony was founded. The appearance of the Romans here was first mentioned in 216, the destruction of Genoa by Carthage and its subsequent restoration in 209. Since the II century BC, Genoa has been an important port and naval base of the Roman state. In 381 AD, a bishopric was founded in Genoa, and in 395 it passed to the Western Roman Empire. In the early Middle Ages, Genoa did not play a prominent role. From 476 it was part of the state of Odoacer, from 493 - in the Ostrogothic Kingdom, from 540 was under the rule of Byzantium, in 641 it was conquered by the Lombards (became the center of one of their duchies), and in 774 - by the Franks (the center of margravery). In the VIII - X centuries, Genoa was repeatedly attacked by Arabs. From 962 it was formally dependent on the Holy Roman Empire. The rise of Genoa began in the XI century. In 1016, in alliance with Pisa, she defeated the Arab fleet and conquered the island of Sardinia. Genoa established extensive trade links in the Mediterranean and became an important trading center. Participation in the Crusades (from 1097) contributed to the further growth of the role of Genoa and its transformation into a Powerful Sea Power.

This is a little preface to the Big History and the Big Secrets. One of these stories I will share with you now, all the others will tell on the tour.

Crimea, when it was not our Crimea, when it was Genoese! A treaty with the Tatars, signed in 1381, allowed the Genoese to annex to their lands the Captaincy of Gothia, which included Alushta, Alupka, Gurzuf, Mishor, Nikita, Oreanda, Partenit, Foros, and settlements of the Soldier district (total eighteen). All the territories inhabited by the Italians were called Genoese Gazaria. Gradually, the center of these lands became Kafa (today's Feodosia). The Republic gave it a special status, the right to self-government, the coat of arms, coins, regularly appointed a council and a consul. Despite the fact that its population was multinational and professed various religions, only property internal problems and conflicts between people of different classes are known.

The presence of the Crimean colonies brought Genoa unprecedented economic benefits. The main commodities were fish, salt, caviar, wood, leather, fur, slaves. Thus, the slave market in the Cafe was popular with buyers from different countries. Later began to trade spices, silks and porcelain. From Europe to the Crimea brought wine, tissue samples, weapons and much more. In addition, the Genoese collected large taxes from the local population: poll, income, buildings, land and many indirect. Although trade was the main source of income for the Genoese, they were also engaged in horticulture and viticulture. During the heyday of the Genoese Republic, the Crimean colonies were actively engaged in culture, opened a library and a school in Cafe.

The weakening of Byzantium and Turkish expansion led to the fact that the Crimean Genoese fortresses in 1475 passed into the hands of representatives of the Ottoman Empire.

Few people know about this period of the history of Genoa, but true lovers of the past and curious tourists always find the opportunity to look at the ruins of at least one of the Genoese fortresses, at ancient medieval towers, which are certainly sights of the already wonderful Crimean area. (But that’s a different story and a different story.) Genoa with all her secrets awaits you in my face!