Republic of Genoa - Geography

Geography

When the Republic of Genoa was established in the early 11th century, it consisted of the city of Genoa and the surrounding areas. As the commerce of the city increased, so did the territory of the Republic. In 1015, the entirety of Liguria was part of the Republic of Genoa. After the First Crusade in 1098, Genoa gained settlements in Syria. The majority of them were lost during the campaigns of Saladin. In 1261 the city of Izmir became Genoese territory. In 1255 Genoa established the colony of Caffa in Crimea. In the following years the Genoese established the colonies of Soldaia, Cherco and Cembalo. In 1275 the islands of Chios and Samos were granted by the Byzantine Empire to Genoa. Between 1316 and 1332 Genoa established the colonies of La Tana and Samsun in the Black Sea. In 1355 Lesbos was granted to Genoa. In the end of the 14th century the colony of Samastri was established in the Black Sea and Cyprus was granted to the Republic. At that period the Republic of Genoa also controlled one quarter of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, and Trebizond, capital of the Empire of Trebizond. Most Genoese territories were conquered by the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century.