The city-states which flourished in Italy from the 10th to the 13th centuries were called maritime republics. The most notable of these Republics were Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice. They built fleets of ships for protection and trade throughout the Mediterranean Sea, they competed with each other and had an essential role in the Crusades.

When successful in their territorial and commercial pursuits, these cities invested their wealth in creating spectacular examples of cultural and artistic power supported by the financial successes of their entrepreneurial citizens.

From these powers by the sea in the Middle-Ages and the Renaissance came some of the most important individuals to influence the world, with significant reverberations into our global culture and civilization of today. This one hour lecture will take your through the origins, triumphs and legacies of the most admired ancient cities by the sea.