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gremlok

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The Greatest Rivalry
The story of Genoa as a maritime republic​
018657.jpg

This AAR is centred on Genoa’s attempts to establish herself as the dominant merchant republic in the Mediterranean Sea and later on beyond. Being a (relatively) peaceful trading nation, the Most Serene Republic of Genoa, will focus on developing her Liguria trade league first and foremost, while trying to contain and combat her primary rivals, Repubblica di Venezia and the Hanseatic League.

Previously I have had written two AARs of Victoria 2 games (one where I still need to finish the last chapters). I have actually never played EUIII fully to the end, currently I am in the 1650’s playing Portugal in a MP game. By choosing Genoa I hope this small nation and a non-conquest game will prove challenging and interesting enough to see it through to the end.

My intention is not to play after an already well-established master plan, but rather go along with events as they unfold. This will not be a conquest-based game; rather the focus is to play Genoa pursuing her ambitions in becoming richer and more powerful as a merchant republic. Ideally this will also include some degree of colonialism (which one might consider ‘peaceful’) and involvement in Africa and Asia in one form or the other. The (real) history of Genoa is tied to the crusades, the Byzantine Empire and of course her nemesis Venice. I intend to incorporate the past into the AAR.

In order to stay within the above framework I have decided upon a number of house rules. The style will be Wikipedia-style/history book, but that might change. The pace will probably be one update a week, as I am currently trying to obtain an MBA degree, while having a rather demanding job and spending time with my two children every second week.

House rules:
  • No cheat or reloads
  • No reckless expansionism (conquest) unless:
  • Re-conquest of cores​
  • Contains a Centre of Trade​
  • As gains from a Papal sponsored crusade​
  • From missions​
  • Any Venetian owned territory​
  • Against uncivilized nations (defined as Sub-Saharan, Nomads and New World)​
  • Must never have more non-cored provinces (colonies excepted) than cored​
  • Merchant Republic Rivalry*:
  • Never sign an alliance with any other merchant republic​
  • Never allow or ask for military access​
  • Seek to have negative relations at all times​
  • Merchant republics should always be considered an enemy and efforts must always be made to curb their influence and trade​
  • Try to follow missions

*) The rivalry is between two free and independent nations, so if either is vassalized or in a personal union the rivalry ceases to exist.



--## Table of Contents ##--

Prologue

Rise to Prominence (1398-1430)

Chapter 1: The Mongols and the Silk Road
Chapter 2: Wine and Victory
Chapter 3: The 5th Venetian-Genoese War
Chapter 4: The Birth of a Trade Empire
Chapter 5: Power Play
 
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- Prologue -
The Republic of Genoa was established in the early 11th century out of the ruins of the Kingdom of Italy of late, which in part was a member of the Holy Roman Empire. As a participant in the First Crusade (1096-1099), the Genoese fleet transported and provided naval support to the crusaders, mainly during the siege of Antioch in 1098, when the Genoese fleet blockaded the city while the troops provided support during the siege, and in the siege of Jerusalem in 1099. The Republic's role as a maritime power in the region secured many favorable commercial treaties for Genoese merchants, especially lucrative trading rights with the Byzantine Empire and within the Levant. Over the course of the 11th and particularly the 12th centuries, Genoa came to be the dominant force in the Western Mediterranean, as its erstwhile rivals Pisa and Amalfi declined in importance. Genoa (along with Venice) was able to gain a central position in the Mediterranean slave trade at this time. This left it with only one major rival in the Mediterranean: Venice.

genoese-dromone-11th-century.jpg

A Genoese dromone from the 11th century; an Italian-style galley of the earlier Byzantine ships. Featuring both sails and oars, this vessel was fast, maneuverable and robust, and the large forecastle and aftcastle provided platforms for missile troops to engage the enemy from a higher vantage point.

genoese-trader-12th-century.jpg

A typical 12th century Genoese trader, at this time merchant ships relied on sails rather than oars. Such vessels displaced between 10-30 tons and were crewed by 40-60 men.


The commercial and cultural rivalry of Italian merchant republics was played out through the 13th century. The Republic of Venice played a significant role in the Fourth Crusade, resulting the fall and dissolution of the Byzantine Empire. Instead Venetian established the “Latin Empire”, which meant that Venetian trading rights were enforced, and Venice gained control of large portion of the commerce of the eastern Mediterranean instead of Genoa. In order to regain control of the vital commerce, The Republic of Genoa allied with the Emperor of Nicaea, recaptured Constantinople in 1261 and restored the Byzantine Empire. As a result, the balance of favour tipped toward Genoa, which was granted free trade rights in the Latin Empire; besides the control of commerce in the hands of Genoese merchants, Genoa received ports and way stations in many islands and settlements in the Aegean Sea. The islands of Chios and Lesbos became commercial stations of Genoa as well as the city of Smyrna.

799px-Bizansist_touchup.jpg

The imperial city Constantinople in the 12th century, with over 200.000 citizens the city was the largest in the world. Controlling the narrow straits of Bosporus and thus access from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea (and further on Asia), the city enjoyed a key strategic and commercial position. With massive walls to keep out enemies the city was almost impregnable.

Both Genoa and Pisa developed trade networks in Black Sea and the Genoese republic conquered many settlements in Crimea, where the Genoese colony of Kaffa was established. The alliance with the restored Byzantine Empire increased the wealth and power of Genoa, and simultaneously decreased Venetian and Pisan commerce. However Genoa’s good fortune would not remain unchallenged.

In 1282 war between Genoa and Pisa, another major trading power, broke out, as Pisa tried to gain control of the island of Corsica, including commercial activities. At the naval Battle of Meloria, Pisa was defeated and would never recover as a maritime competitor - consequently Corsica came under Geneose rule and annexed in 1347. However the northern areas of Sardinia, also under Pisan control, passed onto the Aragonese king of Naples, which strengthened the ties between the Iberian kingdom and Genoa.


battle_of_morelia.jpg

The Genoese fleet advanced in line abreast to meet the first line of the Pisan, fighting according to the medieval custom of ramming and boarding. App. half of the 70 Pisan galleys were lost and the city’s maritime power had come to an end.

Venice and Genoa once again clashed in 1294 over trading rights in the Aegean Sea and Bosporus. The Venetian fleet was devastated at the Battle of Curzola, but shortly hereafter the fighting ended and peace ensued resulting in status quo.

During most of the 14th century Genoese merchants established trading routes inside Muslin North Africa and merchants established trading stations all the way into Sub-Saharan region of Africa. Sicily, (which revolted and became part of the Kingdom of Aragon) became a key marketplace for Genoa. As Genoa had been a staunch supporter of the Aragonese kings, the latter rewarded the city-state with exclusive trading rights in Sicily and the Iberian Peninsula. Trade was booming across the Mediterranean and merchants and the city grew increasingly wealthy, especially from Chinese Silk Road via the Black Sea. However in 1348 a Genoese ship from Kaffa also brought a terrible disease to Europe, the Black Death. During the next two years between 25-50% of Europe’s population died from this pestilence, unable to neither understand the cause nor act against it. The ramifications of the plague were many, ranging from social, political and religious, but worst of all for Genoa, it also sparked a pan-European recession that would weaken her economy and position throughout the 1300’s.


black_death.jpg

The name "black death" was given to the disease in the more northern parts of Europe - from the dark spots on the skin above mentioned - while in Italy it was called la mortalega grande ("the great mortality").

The 3rd Genoese-Venetian War erupted in 1350, as Venice sided with the Byzantines over control of the trading posts of Galata and Chios. To make matters worse, Aragon entered the war against Genoa, who had been sponsoring pro-Genoese aristocrats in Sardinia. At sea Genoa’s fleets fought valiantly and dispersed the Aragonese and Venetian navies repeatedly. Yet as Pisa, seeking to restore their previous grandeur and commercial importance entered the war Genoa found herself increasingly under pressure. Following a defeat at Alghero to Catalan forces, Genoa sought support from Milan. The financial aid allowed Genoa to muster another fleet, which finally secured the destruction of the Venetian fleet and forced the doge to sign peace with Genoa in 1355.

Yet peace would not last for long and in 1378 Genoese and Venetian forces would once again find themselves at war, this time a much larger war that would have long-term implications for most of the Mediterranean. The Genoese fleet was utterly destroyed at the Battle of Chioggia in 1380, despite an initial string of minor victories against the Venetians. The peace treaty of Turin in 1381 ended the war with the Genoese side declaring victory, but one that would turn out to be a Pyrrhic one. As a part of the treaty, Genoa would hand over its Aegean holdings to the Count of Savoy, while Venice would cede territory to Austria, the Byzantines, Aquileia and Hungary. However the loss of the Genoese fleet and thus the control of the crucial commercial sea lanes would lead to a decline in Genoese commerce for the coming decades.

The city’s resources had been spent on a combination of continuous warfare, the disastrous economical fallout of the Black Death in Europe and internal political fighting. During the 1380’s and 1390’s little ground was recovered and most of the trade rights had been lost to Venice. In start contrast, Venice quickly recovered from the peace settlement, and had even reclaimed certain areas in the Balkans. Genoa had become a second rate maritime and trading power.


genoa-palazzo-ducale-italy.jpg

The Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, built between 1251-1275, was the home of the Doges of Genoa who ruled the city-nation for centuries. Located in the heart of the city, the palace was not only the administrative centre of Genoa, but also a venue for prestigious events and ceremonies.
 
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This looks great! Inventive house rules and a rarely played nation.
 
@squalleke123, loki100, Ashantai - I tend to grow tired from conquest-based games so I opted for a different game. This will be the first time I try my luck as a merchant republic

@Kurohata - by Wikipedia style I simply mean history book, but I fear I already strayed from that intention :happy:

@homy_dog34, vasziljevics , Avindian - happy to have you onboard

The first 'real' gameplay chapter should be uploaded in an hour or so
 
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- Chapter 1: The Mongols and the Silk Road -

Giovanni got up from his desk littered with papers, walked over to the window and stared out lost in his thoughts. It had been an unusually warm and dry summer and also very long. Although now in the month of October it still felt like summer – the usual autumn squalls haven’t happened this year yet. Crimea lies in the same latitude as Genoa, and its summer temperatures are similar to those on the French and Portuguese Algarve Mediterranean coasts. Although it's so much further east, it avoids the high humidity experienced by parts of mainland Greece and Turkey in the summer months because of its position as a near-island in the Black Sea. Fresh sea breezes ensure that the high summer temperatures don't become uncomfortable. But not this year. The weather had been very different from any of the previous 5 years he had spent in Sudak. The local nomads had suffered from the drought; the harvest had failed in most areas all the way up towards Azov. Suddenly he was interrupted, as there was a frantic knock on the door.

“Enter” he said in his usual harsh tone of voice. A young man entered handing over a letter.

“Podesta Zaccaria, a message from Kaffa”

Giovanni broke open the seal of the republic and opened the letter. His face turned white and lost all expressions. After a brief moment the shock had resided and Giovanni spoke out slowly to his servant:

“Find Capitano Lucca, tell him to sound the alarm, close the city gates and man the walls of the castle. And I need an escort - I will ride back to Kaffe at once”. Giovanni made a gesture to the young lad to move, as he added, “The hordes have attacked several villages to the north and are moving south towards the coast. I have to find out if this is just small raiding parties due to the drought. Or if something else is going on.”


GenoeseCrossbowmen.jpg

Some of the most renowned Genoese troops were crossbowmen. The crossbow had already been responsible for a revolution in naval warfare in the 13th century, and partly as a result of this the Italians had dominated trade and warfare in the Mediterranean.

It was a 3-day ride from Sudak to Kaffa, the administrative seat of the Gasaria, the Genoese territories in Crimea. On the way Giovanni though about what could possibly have happened. It had been over 70 years since the great Khan Uzbeg allowed the Genoese to establish trading stations along the coast. The last major conflict had been in 1322 when the Mongols had sacked Sudak, but spared the Genoese. He knew there had been small skirmishes over the years but mostly it had been small restless bands of young warriors and not organized by the khan himself. As he started to pick out the towers of the city ahead of him, he also began to notice people flocking towards the city on the main arteries. Once inside he briefly met with his advisors and dignitaries. It quickly became clear that this was not the usual raiding of a village, but on a much grander scale. While donning his battle dress, he dictated a message back to Genoa about the startling news. As Podesta, he was not only the highest placed magistrate but also the commander-in-chief of the military in the region. He turned towards his second-in-command:
“Tomorrow we ride against the horde, the last we heard was that Azow was coming under siege and that several large groups of riders were heading towards Kerch and Kaffa. I’ll take two regiments while you remain here with the garrison. I hope we can have sorted this out within a fortnight. With a bit of luck this is just a big misunderstanding”


kulikovo.jpg

The Battle of Azow in 1399 saw the destruction of the Genoese Crimean army against a vastly numerically superior Golden Horde. The mobile horsemen outflanked and surrounded the Italians, who were unable to resist the repeated charges from all sides. The few survivors were sold as slaves, while the Genoese settlements were sacked and pillaged.

The invasion of the Crimean possessions came as a total surprise. For decades the Mongols and the Italians had co-existed peacefully. Genoa depended on Crimea for access to the important Silk Road, the most important overland trade route in its time stretching from China to Western Europe. The surprise attack by the Golden Horde was seen by many as the biggest threat to the future economic development of the city-state. However the fact that the Golden Horde had decided to invade every since one of its neighbors was seen as a reassuring thing – it was inconceivable that a primitive loosely tribal federation could defeat major European nations, such as the Kingdom of Hungary and the mighty Polish kingdom, which also ruler of Lithuania.


HordeLitHung.jpg

The Silk Road land route from Asian into the Black Sea region

By mid-summer 1401 Polish troops had made some gains against the hordes, so a 5000-man strong force, made up of German mercenaries and Genoese levies, was dispatched to reclaim the lost colonies. By the time the fleet arrived the Mongols had pushed back the Polish and Hungarian troops, but undeterred the Genoese landed at Kaffa. Not surprisingly the expedition turned into a disaster and the Europeans just barely managed to escape total annihilation. Eventually Genoa conceded defeat in 1403, where Italian diplomats managed to convince Khan Temur Qutlugh that Genoa should retain control of Kaffa (the Golden Horde had already annexed the province of Azow in 1402).

Realizing that it would be impossible to maintain the same relations with the hordes as in the previous decades, the republic opted for an unconventional solution. A nobleman from Trebizond, a small orthodox duchy that had broken off from the Byzantine Empire, would become the first duchy of the (new) Duchy of Trebizond. Tamerland of the Tumirids had invaded and annexed his country in 1405, but with a holy roman pedigree and Christian he served the purpose well. Besides parts of Crimea had previously been settled by Trebizond colonists. This vassal was expected to be able to deal better with the hordes, all the while Genoese merchants continued to do trade in the Black Sea (Trebizond also became a full member of the Genoese trade league).


800px-Genoese_fortress_in_Sudak.jpg

The fortress of Sudak (current day Ukraine) came into Genoese control in 1365 and was one of the primarily military bases in Crimea.

For Genoa the land connection to Asia had been one of the foundation on which the city-state had build its fortune. Although referred to as the Silk Road, this network of commercial routes brought many types of goods both east and west. For 150 years the Mongols had dominated the trade routes, yet it allowed more trade to come in and out of the region. Merchandise that did not seem valuable to the Mongols was often seen as very valuable by the west. As a result, the Mongol received in return a large amount of luxurious goods from the West. However, they never abandoned their nomadic lifestyle.

However the doges knew that the long-term prospects of the overland route were doubtful. During the 13th century, an Italian, had allegedly been the first European to travel on the Silk Road all the way to China. The Genoese have had the privilege of entertaining this traveler, as he was captured during the Battle of Curzola in a war against Venice. This person would later on inspire other explorers to seek the sea route to China and his insights and experiences had given the doges good reason to reconsider the dependency of the overland route.

silkroad1.gif

A caravan travelling in the Silk Road

The situation around the Black Sea was furthermore deteriorating as the Ottoman Empire had embarked on a series on conquests against Anatolian Turkish beyliks (small Turkish Muslim emirates or principalities governed by Beys). Coupled with the political instability and the loss of Azow, the doge of Genoa had to reconsider the very dynamics of the economical engine that had been the core foundation of the republics wealth and power.

---​

Notes:
* Marco Polo, 1254-1324, a Venetian merchant travelled on a 24 year trip through Asia on the Silk Road. As he returned Venice and Genoa were at war and Marco Polo fell into captivity and spend several years in Genoa. As he was a highly respected persona he was well-treated and was eventually released and returned to his homeland. Polo is creditted for introducing Asia to Europeans through his books.

*) The 6.500 km Silk Road existed in one way or the other since Antiquity but peaked in the West during the height of the Byzantine Empire. Towards the end of the first millennia the Silk Road had facilitated exchange of technology, culture, religion from between Asia and Europe, besides the function as a commercial highway. As the Byzantine Empire was fading away so was the Silk Road's importance and the Black Death further exacerbated the decline.
 
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- Chapter 2: Wine and Victory -

By the turn of the century, the Republic of Venice was the dominant trading power in the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the trade routes east of Italy; the Adriatic Sea – the Aegean Sea – the Black Sea, were under firm Venetian control. With possessions in the Aegean Sea and Crete, she had naval bases to support merchant shipping and prevent rivals from effectively entering the market. In contrast Genoa operated the areas west of Genoa, primarily the Kingdom of Aragon as well as Sardinia and Sicily. Much of northern Europe was in firm control of the German Hanseatic League based in Lübeck. At least the former maritime republics of Amalfi and Pisa had been subdued and were no longer an immediate concern.

Tleague1399v2.jpg

Doge Antonio Adorno, a brilliant magistrate with a knack of running a smooth administration, had been glancing over reports, ledgers and maps. Recently elected to office for a term of 4 years, Antonio was interested in accumulating personal wealth, but also had great ambitions for the Republic. The position of doge was more that of a caretaker than a despot – actually since the early days Genoese merchants (the ruling class of the city-state and of most Italian cities) had despised monarchs and other rulers, who had absolute powers. It was usually not good for business. However the doge could influence the council and set the agenda. And as long as the Republic’s ambitions coincided with the merchants, Antonio knew he could get their support.

Adorno-1.jpg

Antonio Adorno belonged to an extremely wealthy Genoese family who played a major role in the history of the Republic of Genoa and in Italy. The dynasty had been founded by Simon Adorno who lived in the late 12th century and was an admiral of the Genoese in the crusader's assault against Saint Jean d'Acre.

The Venetians were considered the primary competitor. Their merchants were to be found all over the Mediterranean Basin de facto owned the Western part of it. A multitude of goods were bought and sold in Venice; cloth from Dalmatia, grain from Hungary and Bohemia, salt from the Alps, wine from Greece and southern Italy, iron from the Balkans, fish from the Adriatic Sea. In addition to the income of the merchants and taxes levied on the trade activities, Venice also controlled several precious metal mines, making them capable of minting to a much greater capacity than Genoa.

A mere shadow of the republic of the 12-13th century, Genoa had reduced to a trade hub for the surrounding Italian nations, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia and first and foremost the Kingdom of Aragon in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. Limited trade took place with the colonies in the Black Coast and in northern Africa. However having scrutinized the available data, Antonio had come to the conclusion that Genoa, thanks to Aragon and northern Italy, depended primarily on wine trading controlling 1/3 of the known world trade. Copper from Sardinia also provided the trade league with a dominant position.

Z7438.jpg

Examples of gold coins used in Medieval Italy.

The first thing to do would be to seek out new members for the trade league. Antonio drafted a list of possible and preferred future member states. The Burgundian, French, Castilian and Portuguese kingdoms each had their own centers of trade so unlikely to join. England was too far away. Most of the myriads of states of the Holy Roman Empire were trading through the Hanseatic League. Gradually the list grew shorter, but nevertheless there were still potential for growth. A few days later the first specially created ‘trade mission’-ambassador was instructed by the doge and sent out. The doge happy having set things in motion returned to his office where he prepared for the presentation of his plan to the Minor Council.

"Honorable members of the council, behold the map and you will see clearly where we can expect to expand our activities. The wheels have been set in motion and the first step in restoring Liguria as the most powerful trade league." Adorno pointed towards a large map hung from the ceiling, showing Europe. A number of circles and annotations had been made, mostly in France and northern Africa.

"Although the French king is unlikely to join us, many of his vassals could be persuaded to do so. We are also speaking to a number of smaller German states that are at the outer reaches of the Hansa. I am happy to inform you that Switzerland has already decide to put pen to paper and I hold here their acceptance into our brotherhood." The council members cheered and then broke into discussions between them.

guild-conference.jpg

The Minor Council in 1399 consisted of six special advisors to the doge and the Quarantia (Council of 40) and was the executive body of the government. The Great Council included over 400 members from the most prominent and influential families, but was rarely assembled.

"Furthermore, I believe there is also a medium term opportunity to develop trade in northern Africa – as you know we try to maintain good standing with the Holy See and rumors are that His Holiness will call for a crusade in a short time. We shall remain ready for such an eventuality."

However despite the initial success of securing Switzerland’s trade, albeit modest in volume, the hawkish fraction of the merchants were unhappy with the plan. Headed by Marchese Cattaneo, they called for direct action against the supremacy of Venice, which was always a very popular opinion amongst large parts of Genoa’s population. In order to get the needed backing to carry out his plan, a warship-building program was drafted – however much of the investment was deferred at the doge’s discretion.

As the war in Crimea was raging, the Papal States had become embroiled in a conflict over the control of the duchy of Urbino. This ultimately led to a full-scale against Naples, Provence (ruled by the Neapolitan king) and her ally Ferrara. The Holy See called upon Genoa according to the existing military alliance. Outnumbered but at sea and on land, and still recovering from the failed expedition in Kaffa, Genoa was in no position to offer much military assistance. Once again, not unlike 1355, the king of Milan intervened on Genoa’s side and with backing of the Milanese the Genoese alliance launched a counter-offensive into Naples proper. As Naples called upon their ally Tuscany, Genoa also drew Sicily into the war.

In October 1404 the High Council was united to elect their next doge and Francesco Cattaneo, who had military experience, garnered the majority of the votes. Cattaneo himself took control of the armies and led the Genoese to victory.

genoa_naples.jpg

The decisive battle took place on the knolly terrain north the city of Nola, outside Napoli during the spring of 1404. The Neapolitans marched from Apulia towards the besieging armies of the Papacy. Genoese troops in Abruzzi had been force marching and arrived just in time, outflanking the enemy (in the background) resulting in a crushing victory.

At sea the strong Neapolitan navy managed to fight off the divided Genoese, Sicilian and Milanese fleets, but was eventually defeated off Sardinia’s coast. In February 1405 the king of Naples accepted peace with the Genoese-led alliance (Tuscany had already in 1404 surrendered unconditionally and had become a vassal). At the Treaty of Rome the southern Italians agreed to join the Liguria trade league, which was seen as a blow to the Venetians but cause for much jubilation in Genoa.

Five years into the plan initially devised by Adorno, results were starting to show. A number of French duchies and a few German kingdoms had decided to become part of the growing Liguria trade league. Also helped by the considerable Neapolitan trade Genoa’s market places now generated app. 912 thousands of ducats annually against 940.000 in Venice. Genoese traders had also been focusing on securing exclusive rights to wine trading in Italy and Spain and by 1406 app. 2/3 of all wine sales took place through Genoese markets. The decision to focus on wine trade seemed to pay off well, as prices had risen 50% and demand continued to soar.

vinyards.jpg

The combination of weather and soil in Italy and Spain creates the optimal conditions for cultivating grapes. The Iberian Peninsula alone produced 45% of all wine by 1410. The port of Valencia became famous for exporting enormous quantities of barrels and was given the name the “Port of Grapes’ for centuries to come.

Although somewhat later than hoped, the Pope finally called upon Christian states for crusade against the Muslim Sheikdom of Tripolitania. The underlining reason was an event, which was referred to as the Tripoli Vespers of 1408 – social unrest had led to the slaying of 200 people belonging to the Christian minority. The Castilian king had long been eying Northern Africa as a springboard for his Mediterranean ambitions, and since the Holy See had been financially supported by Castile, the killing came as the perfect excuse for war.

vesper.jpg

For 2 days an angry mob chased and killed any Christian they could find inside the city of Tripoli. The Sheik did not intervene until the third day leaving over 200 women, children and men dead in the streets.

Doge Cattaneo was not long to react and raised a crusader army, which was quickly able to subdue Africa resistance. However neighbouring Algiers and Morocco, two large Muslim states, came to the aid of Tripolitania. Eventually the Christian armies, made up by Portugal and Castile as well as the Genoese-alliance containing the Papal States, Sicily and Tuscany, overpowered the Muslim states. Genoa secured two provinces, Gabes to the west and Cyrenaica in the east, bordering the Malmeluks. In addition Morocco was also forced to join the Liga Liguria, opening up for the vast wool markets.

Catteno, having secured a 2nd term in office, returned back to Genoa in 1410 with the victorious crusader army and held a two-day triumph and festivities not unlike those of the days the antique Roman Republic.

---

Notes/Comments:

*) Although the Genoese Trade League has increased in number of members, some of these are still trading through Venice – how is this possible?

*) Next update by the coming weekend
 
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Trade rights are membership of a trade league are independent. You can use the first to steal the goods of a OPM who is in someone else's league. Have to say I'm enjoying this AAR, good luck with it.
 
the mediterranian doesn't seem like a peaceful place in this first decade. Did you get any territorial gains from these skirmishes?

Also: the trade league problem might have risen from the fact that they still have a trade agreement with venice for their resources.
 
Trade rights are membership of a trade league are independent. You can use the first to steal the goods of a OPM who is in someone else's league. Have to say I'm enjoying this AAR, good luck with it.

So you can force countries into a trade league but they could continue to trade through another CoT? Hmmm....what's the idea of the leagues then?

Happy you like it.

good mixing of game events and history ... always an intriguing combination

Thanks - I aim to please ;)

This is great so far. Keep up the good work.

Much obliged

the mediterranian doesn't seem like a peaceful place in this first decade. Did you get any territorial gains from these skirmishes?

Well, you know....a little bit of skirmish here a little bit of skirmish there......the Med was never a peaceful place :)
Yes Gabes and Cyrenaica from Tripoli, but the Genoese have no interest in territorial gains so most likely these areas will be auctioned off or released. I really just took them to get a CB on the Malmeluks, who's CoT seems to be an attractive next target for expansion.

Also: the trade league problem might have risen from the fact that they still have a trade agreement with venice for their resources.

Ah that could explain it - can I see existing trade agreements anywhere? And how can I disrupt such agreements - peace terms?

I like the MTW2 screenshots.

Yes me too, a change from the drawings/painting commonly used. And maybe you noticed that they are all actually depicting Genoese troops although the period might be a bit off.

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After a marathon week of work and finishing two mba papers on Macro Economics and Management Accounting I will resume playing over the weekend. Expect the next update early next week :)