Introduction
During the period of the great geographical discoveries, many Italian cities, such as Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi, played a fundamental role in maritime exploration.
These cities were, in fact, important starting points for new adventures at sea, and over time paved the way for new trade routes, also influencing European politics and culture.
In this series of video lessons, we will explore in detail the maritime republics of Venice, Genoa, Pisa, and Amalfi. We will retrace, in addition, the history of the Italian port cities, such as Livorno, Bari, and much more!
The course is perfect for
- Italian students with level B1 or above
- Italian history, culture and geography passionate
- Anyone who wants to improve their Italian through a thematic path
Details
Programme
The maritime republics
Venice – Veneto
Also known as “La Serenissima”, Venice was a maritime power in the eastern Mediterranean during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. From here travellers departed, such as Marco Polo, famous for his tales of distant lands.
Genoa – Liguria
Also called the “Superba” Genoa was one of the main maritime centres during the era of exploration, thanks to its strategic position on the Ligurian Sea. Christopher Colombus, for example, was born here!
Pisa – Tuscany
During the medieval period, Pisa was one of the most relevant port cities and contributed significantly to nautical knowledge. There Giovanni da Verrazzano, an explorer of the 16th century, was born.
Amalfi – Campania
Situated on the southwestern coast of Italy, Amalfi was famous for its maritime trade, for its cultural influence in the Mediterranean and for being a point of departure for exploratory missions.
Port cities
Livorno – Tuscany
A city in central Italy that has played a crucial role in the maritime trade. Its strategic location on the Tyrrhenian Sea has favoured the development of the naval industry.
Naples – Campania
A city in southern Italy that possesses a long history as a commercial and military port in the Mediterranean. Its port has been a crossroads for maritime trade since ancient times.
Palermo – Sicily
Palermo has a rich and complex history, with Arab, Norman and Baroque influences. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it an important centre for maritime trade and culture.
Bari – Puglia
Situated on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy, Bari has an ancient history and a rich maritime tradition.
Ancona – Marche
The capital city of the Marche region, Ancona has been a fundamental port since ancient times, with a history that includes Roman times and the Middle Ages.
Rimini – Emilia Romagna
Its history dates back to Roman times and it is another city in central Italy that, over the centuries, has contributed to the development of maritime trade.
Cagliari – Sardegna
With its ancient history and location in the middle of the western Mediterranean, Cagliari soon became a trade and navigation centre.