The medieval phrase "Genoese therefore a merchant" summarizes the city's commercial focus and its role in pioneering modern capitalism, including ship financing, risk management, and the early use of holding shares in overseas ventures.
Epstein provides insights into daily life, covering topics such as slavery, the role of women, the influence of the Crusades, and the city's combative relationship with the Islamic world. Major Themes Genoa and the Genoese, 958-1528
Genoese history is portrayed as a mix of intense patriotism alongside a notable lack of cooperation among its citizens. The 15th-century establishment of the Casa di San
The 15th-century establishment of the Casa di San Giorgio is highlighted as a major landmark in European fiscal history, serving as a bank that held the public debt of the republic. Epstein is a comprehensive, scholarly history tracing the
Intense fighting between noble families often dictated the political and economic landscape.
Genoa and the Genoese, 958–1528 by Steven A. Epstein is a comprehensive, scholarly history tracing the city’s rise from an obscure port to a dominant, yet chaotic, Mediterranean naval power. Epstein analyzes six centuries of Genoa's development by blending economic trends, political conflict, and social history.