eastern european eagle

Chapter 119 Genoa

In addition, the Italians, who reaped huge profits in industrial and commercial activities, also engaged in banking and usury.Some wealthy businessmen are also bankers and financiers with huge free capital. They operate on a large scale, serve customers all over Europe, and are also responsible for collecting taxes for the Pope.Florence had more than 100 banks in the fourteenth century, and the taxes paid to the Holy See from various countries were deposited in local banks.The three major currency management families in Europe, Baldi, Peruzzi, and Aziuli, all came from Italy. The currencies of important Italian cities such as Florin, Ducat, Scudo, Lira, and Guilder are popular in the commercial centers of other European countries. welcome.

Moreover, if the Genoese can bring what Peter wants, then Aragon doesn't have to go.

With its superior geographical location, Genoa has always focused on the development of foreign trade economy.Merchants in Genoa had long been engaged in maritime trade with countries such as Castile, Aragon, and Portugal.At that time, many Genoese businessmen settled in Portugal, and the trade between the two sides also brought mutual benefits to the two countries.

Genoa began its rise by expanding across the Mediterranean.The surrounding neighboring islands, such as Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, etc., are full of Genoese merchants. They quickly opened up these islands as important hubs for nautical trade, and at the same time extended their influence all the way to the coast of North Africa. .

The Genoese are very business-minded. They don't focus on developing one side's activities, but maximize the resources available.This is also an aspect that is different from other commercial city republics.For example, the Venetians at that time, they carried out sailing activities in groups, from the surrounding islands to Beijing, but they rarely developed the back door, except for customers from inland cities who were allowed to enter and exit, others did not accept inland visit.

And they are not only free from religious conflicts, but also free from racial prejudice.As long as there is a need for business, people of any race can cooperate with them, and boldly communicate with each other and entrust them to do things.Tolerance of immigrants was a distinguishing feature of the Genoese, who allowed many Greeks, Armenians, Tatars, and other aliens to become their citizens.At this time, it was the era when Christianity "returned to the sect". Many cities and countries would have riots due to religious disputes. Genoa was different from some other urban republics in Italy. Genoa did not have any religious disputes. Heretics were indifferent, and there was hardly any sign of religious dissent.

Walking into Genoa, only Venice can compare here.Prosperous trade boosted the local economy, which was then converted into gold coins.The market is also full of everything, and there is almost nothing they don't have, except for merino sheep.

Because merino sheep are a unique product of Aragon and Castile, they cannot be exported, so even Genoa is not sold in the market.

"Boss, I'm asking you for the last time, is there really no?"

"No, really, those are only available to the royal family of Aragon. Ordinary people have no chance at all."

Peter double-checked that there were no merino sheep.A little disappointed, but the businessman gave him another address, saying that there should be something he wanted here.

In the evening, Peter came to this place with his entourage after some make-up.This is a black market in Genoa, where some smuggled things are sold, and customers can also place orders to buy them.After all, who would have trouble with money.

"Come and see, here are all kinds of good things from Castile."

As soon as he heard it was from Castile, Peter became interested.He looked forward and saw some unique animals and plants, as well as some knight shields, which seemed to be obtained from the front line.

"Anything else?"

Peter said something to the businessman, and the other party obviously thought that this was a rich man, so he said.

"That depends on what you need."

Peter laughed and said.

"Something from the royal ranch of Castile."

The merchant's face changed, but he recovered quickly. "plz follow me."

Peter followed him to a place, opened the door, and a herd of sheep came into view.

"What do you think of these?"

Peter looked at the sheep, not sure if they were merino sheep.And the businessman obviously guessed what he was thinking, so he said.

"It's all from Barcelona and Castilla, absolutely no problem."

Peter was a little worried, but he still bought a few and issued an order to buy a large amount of Merino sheep. The price was also very high, which quickly attracted the attention of many smugglers.

The news that a rich man bought a large amount of merino sheep spread like wildfire, and soon spread throughout this commercially developed place.Some merchants who travel to and from Aragon also decided to seek wealth and wealth, as long as they can get a few, they can get extraordinarily rewarded.

And Peter at this time, he was listening to the teacher's lecture.He paid several men to teach him Latin, navigation, geography, and mechanics.Although very tiring, it is very fulfilling.

They rented a house close to the port of Genoa. Seeing a large number of ships coming in and out here, and people coming and going on the pier, Peter felt that Wallachia still had a long way to go.

Although the gap between the East and the West is small, if it continues like this, it will widen sooner or later.So he decided to recruit craftsmen here and persuade more people to go to the East.

At this time, Peter had nothing else but a lot of money.He exchanged a large amount of money in Genoa and exchanged all the money he got into gold coins. Then he placed an order at the local shipyard and supervised it himself.Although it is still close to Venice, it is not bad.Peter's main target is Venice, of course, the premise is that Genoa is obedient.

The successive Crusades promoted the expansion of Venetian influence and trade to the East.Especially after the Fourth Crusade and the capture of Constantinople in 1204, Venice also established the basis of its rule in the Levant. A treaty with the Turks in 1299 gave Venice monopoly on travel to the Holy Land.

Pilgrims can only go to the Holy Land by Venetian ships, and the latter must ensure the personal safety of these believers. This is undoubtedly another profitable business for the Venetians.Venice's unique economic advantages eventually made it the wealthiest Italian city republic, even in the context of the Great Recession in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was not affected too much.

Venice at this time is like Athens in the classical era. Both of them were established on the basis of trade, protected by the navy, and were eventually defeated by another country and declined.Of course, this is something.

(End of this chapter)