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The most important Maritime Republics were Venice, Genoa, Amalfi and Pisa, fours cities that, after the Xth century, established themselves not only economically but on a military level as well. These cities were known for their maritime importance and for their political and commercial innovations.
During that time, other cities along the Italian peninsula coast were considered as Maritime Republics but they were less relevant for both commercial power and size of the city and harbour. These cities were Brindisi, Ancona, Gaeta, Noli and Ragusa.

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Even though it was a difficult historical time of crisis for the region, Maritime Republics managed to rise both economically and politically by expanding maritime trade exploiting the difficulties presented by trade routes.
Every Maritime Republic was different but they all had some traits in common, namely:

An autonomous and independent political status which applied to the City but also the near regions, making the Republics a sort of City-State.

Maritime Republics all had a particular type of Government which was highly Republican in nature and focused on economic power. People were used to trading with various populations, which made them more open minded to foreign behaviours and traditions.

All Maritime Republics had their own currency which was used and accepted all over the Mediterranean.

They had their own naval fleet and a Consulary structure which was strategic with foreign relationships.

They all participated in the Crusades and they were all fighting actively maritime piracy.

AMALFI

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Amalfi1 obtained its independence from the Duchy of Naples in 839.
The State was initially governed by an elected Consul chosen by the most powerful families of the city and, later, was under the governorship of a Duke.

The many exchanges with the Byzantine Empire and with Africa, plus the strategic position in the Mediterranean helped the city in achieving power and recognition.
Amalfi was able to maintain close political alliances with both the Byzantine Empire and the Papal States and later on with Muslim populations.
These alliances were fundamental to the city and helped it obtaining trade and protection from various key players.

Furthermore, people from Amalfi were big inventors and innovators.
Giovanni Gioia was the first to introduce in Europe the use of the compass 2 , which was invented in China, revolutionising and simplifying sea navigation.

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The Amalfitan Chart, the first code of Italian maritime laws, were used in the Mediterranean region until the XVI century.3. These laws contained codes of conducts, rules, geographical maps as well as the duties and rights of both private and military exchanges and trades.
The Amalfitan Laws contain 66 Articles, called Capitoli, written in latin and people’s language.
A paper copy of this code is kept in the City Museum of Amalfi.

At its peak, the city of Amalfi was a key player with all the political players of the time, such as Pisa, Genoa and Venice but was also a good trade partner for the Eastern regions and Africa.
The city had its own currency, the Tari, recognized and exchanged everywhere.
The Amalfi military fleet was big and powerful and obtained much recognition during the Crusades and the fight against sea piracy.
Later on, though, due to political fights within the State and a period of political submission under the Normans, Amalfi’s supremacy over international trade began to diminish and the city started its slow decline.
In 1135, while the people of Amalfi were fighting against the Saracen people, the Pisa’s military fleet took the opportunity to invade and destroy the city, affirming the end of the most important Maritime Republic of the South of Italy.

PISA

Pisa became one of the most important City-State of the Mediterranean and managed to remain independent for over 350 years.4
It was initially under the governance of a Viscount but under continuous supervision of the Papal States, it became independent in 1081.
At first, it was Pisa’s victories against the Saracens that helped the city establish itself as an international power. The city then conquered the south region of the Tyrrhenian Sea and then extended its dominion further to the Balearic Islands.
At the same time, Pisa participated in the Crusades and managed to extend its trades in many parts of the Eastern world. Finally, the City of Pisa, conquered and destroyed Amalfi, making it the only political and economic player in the coasts of Southern Italy.

Pisa had its own currency as well, it was called the Aquilino.
The Pisa’s decline, began with the battle of Meloria in 1284 where it fought against the city of Genoa, an important economically and militarily Pisa’s enemy.

During this battle, the Pisa’s naval fleet, guided by Morosino, the Count Ugolino and Saracino, was completely defeated by the Genoa naval fleet which was under the leadership of Umberto Doria.

During the battle, 30 warships (galee) were destroyed and up to 5000 people of Pisa were killed.

This and the fact that it was in constant war with the nearby cities of Noli, Lucca and Florence, weakened the city without remedy. In 1406 the Maritime Republic of Pisa was finally defeated as a political and economic power and became annexed to the city of Florence.

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SOURCES

[1]Istoria dell’antica repubblica d’Amalfi

[2]Le Origini della Bussola

[3]Delle antiche consuetudini e leggi marittime delle provincie napoletane,Nicola Alianelli

[4]Il Priorista e il libro d’oro del comune di Pisa, B.Casini