The End of the Italian Republics
The bridge between two eras
The Italian republics of the Renaissance are taught as a phenomena that marked a high point in European culture and history. However, the fall of these republics is often glossed over, as soon after the 16th century, Europe outgrew the beautiful but modest fields of Italy for extravagant crowns. The spirit of the Renaissance faded from Italy like the flame of Rome a millennium earlier. Rhyming the story of Rome, once Italy declined, other cultures and civilizations took up the banner. The late 17th century was the most turbulent period of the Italian Republics, and one event would symbolize the humiliating position that these beacons of innovation and study, were relegated to. Featuring the defeat of Italy’s leading republic, and a king at the height of his ambitions, the Bombardment of Genoa was a small, but culturally symbolic event that marked the practical death of the Italian Republics, and the new-found dominance of the centralized monarchies in Europe.
Decline of Genoa
From a powerful and ambitious trading republic to a flailing city under the heel of Louis XIV, Genoa transformed drastically over the Renaissance. After sparring with the fabled Venice over the vast Mediterranean in the 15th century, the city declined in trade and eventually lost its drive for maritime…
