Chapter 119 Genoa

In addition, Italians who made huge profits from industrial and commercial activities also engaged in banking and usury. Some wealthy merchants were bankers and financiers with huge free capital. They operated on a large scale, served customers all over Europe, and were responsible for collecting taxes for the Pope. Florence had more than 100 banks in the 14th century, and taxes paid to the Holy See by various countries were deposited in local banks. The three major European currency management families, Bardi, Peruzzi and Aziuri, all came from Italy. The currencies of important Italian cities such as Florin, Ducat, Scudo, Lira and Shield were very popular in the commercial centers of other European countries.

Moreover, if the Genoese could bring what Peter wanted, Aragon would not have to go.

With its superior geographical location, Genoa has always focused on developing an economy based on foreign trade. Genoese merchants have been engaged in maritime trade with Castile, Aragon, Portugal and other countries for a long time. At that time, many Genoese merchants settled in Portugal, and the trade between the two countries also brought mutually beneficial effects to the two countries.

Genoa began to rise by expanding in the Mediterranean. Genoese merchants can be seen everywhere in the surrounding neighboring islands, such as Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, etc. They quickly opened up these islands as important hubs for maritime trade, and at the same time expanded their influence to the coast of North Africa.

The Genoese are very business-minded. They do not focus on developing one side of the activities, but maximize the available resources. This is also different from other commercial city-states. For example, the Venetians at that time carried out maritime activities in groups, from the surrounding islands to as far as Beijing, but they rarely developed backdoors. Except for customers from inland cities who were allowed to enter and exit, other inland visits were not accepted.

Moreover, they not only had no religious conflicts, but also no racial prejudices. As long as there was a business need, they could cooperate with people of any race, and boldly communicate with each other and entrust them with things. Tolerance towards immigrants is a notable feature of the Genoese. They allow many Greeks, Armenians, Tatars and other foreigners to become their citizens. This was the era of Christianity, when many cities and countries would experience riots due to religious disputes. Genoa was different from some other city-states in Italy. There were no religious disputes in Genoa. The Genoese were indifferent to all forms of heresy and there was almost no sign of religious dissent.

Walking into Genoa, only Venice can compare. The prosperous trade promoted the local economy, which was then converted into gold coins. There was everything in the market, and there was almost nothing they didn't have, except Merino sheep.

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

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

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

Peter confirmed again and again that there were indeed no Merino sheep. A little disappointed, but the merchant gave him an address and said that there should be what he wanted here.

At night, Peter put on makeup and came to this place with his entourage. This is a black market in Genoa, where some smuggled items are sold, and customers can also place orders to buy. After all, who would go against money.

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

Peter became interested when he heard that they were from Castile. He went forward to take a look, and saw some unique animals and plants, as well as some knight shields, which seemed to be from the front line.

"Is there anything else?"

Peter said to the merchant, who obviously thought he was a rich young man, so he said.

"That depends on what you need."

Peter laughed and said.

"Things from the Castile Royal Ranch."

The merchant changed his face, but recovered quickly. "Please follow me."

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

"What do you think of these?"

Peter looked at the sheep, and he was not sure whether they were Merino sheep. The merchant obviously guessed what he was thinking and said.

"They are all from Barcelona and Castile, absolutely no problem."

Peter was a little worried, but he still bought a few and placed an order to buy a large number of Merino sheep at a very high price, which soon attracted the attention of many people engaged in smuggling.

The news that a rich man bought a large number of Merino sheep spread quickly and soon spread throughout this place with developed trade. Some merchants traveling back and forth to Aragon also decided to seek wealth and fame in danger. As long as they could get a few, they could get extraordinary rewards.

At this time, Peter was listening to the teacher's lecture. He paid a few people to teach him Latin, navigation, geography and mechanics. Although it was very tiring, it was very fulfilling.

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

Although the gap between the East and the West is not large, 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 but a lot of money. He exchanged a large amount of money in Genoa, and then he placed an order at the local shipyard and supervised it personally. Although it was still worse than Venice, it was also good. Peter's main target was still Venice, of course, the premise was that Genoa was obedient.

The successive Crusades promoted the expansion of Venice's influence and trade to the East. Especially after the Fourth Crusade and the capture of Constantinople in 1204, Venice also established its ruling foundation in the Levant. The agreement signed with the Turks in 1299 allowed Venice to monopolize the business of traveling to the Holy Land.

Pilgrims could only travel to the Holy Land on Venice's ships, and the latter had to ensure the personal safety of these believers, which was undoubtedly another profitable business for the Venetians. Venice's unique economic advantages made it the richest Italian city-state, and it was not greatly affected even in the context of the great economic recession in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Venice at this time was like Athens in the classical era, both of which were founded on trade, protected by the navy, and eventually defeated by another country and declined. Of course, this is a later story.