Despite their prosperity, the Genoese struggled with internal strife, frequently changing governments and, in times of crisis, handing power over to foreign rulers.
The medieval phrase "Genoese therefore a merchant" summarizes the city's commercial focus and its role in pioneering modern capitalism, including ship financing, risk management, and the early use of holding shares in overseas ventures.
A network of colonies, particularly in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, established Genoese power.
Epstein provides insights into daily life, covering topics such as slavery, the role of women, the influence of the Crusades, and the city's combative relationship with the Islamic world. Major Themes
Genoese history is portrayed as a mix of intense patriotism alongside a notable lack of cooperation among its citizens.