Republic of Noli

The Republic of Noli (Italian: Repubblica di Noli; Ligurian: Repubbrica de Nöi) was an Italian Maritime republic centered on the city of Noli that existed from 1192 to 1797. Present-day Noli is in Liguria, in the Province of Savona. To protect itself from possible attacks and invasions by Savona and Marquisate of Finale, Noli allied in 1202 with the Republic of Genoa in a sort of protectorate, in fact, documents of the time show that the relationship was equal and not one of submission.[1] Thanks to this alliance, the Republic's importance grew to such an extent that in 1239 a diocese was established there by Pope Gregory IX.

Republic of Noli

Repubblica di Noli  (Italian)
Repubbrica de Nöi  (Ligurian)
1192–1797
Flag
Coat of arms
Location of the Republic of Noli
CapitalNoli
Common languagesLatin, Italian
Religion
Roman Catholic
GovernmentAristocratic oligarchic republic (City-state) Podestà
Podestà as Head of state 
Historical eraMiddle Age, Renaissance, Early Modern Age
 Established
7 August 1192
7 August 1192
2 December 1797
Area
18th century4 km2 (1.5 sq mi)
Population
 18th century
1,500
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Marquisate of Finale
Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy
Today part of Italy

History

Noli was founded in 1192. It survived for 605 years, before being annexed by Napoleon in 1797.[2]

Economy

Despite its small size, Noli's good shipyard and harbor allowed them to become a commercial power.[3] They had good trade relations with Genoa, as they only had to pay one penny to be allowed to trade in Genoa, whereas the Spanish had to pay 60 pennies to be allowed to trade.[4]

Military

Noli's efficient shipyard allowed them to become somewhat of a naval power, despite their small size.[3] Their alliance with Genoa afforded them much protection, especially as Genoa used Noli's port to shelter their ships.[5]

It is known that during a conflict with Savona, Noli sacked the town of Spotorno, which was owned by them, in 1227.[6]

Foreign relations

In 1202 Noli was threatened by Savona. In response to this Noli formed a confederation with the powerful Maritime Republic of Genoa.[5][2] Noli kept this alliance until they were dissolved in 1797.[3]

Flag

The flag of Noli was first created in the 13th century, with a white cross and a red background, the exact opposite of Genoa's flag. Many of the merchant ships of Noli chose to fly under the Genoese flag, as it commanded much more respect.[3]

Religion

In 1239 the Pope appointed a bishop to Noli.[7]

References

Citation

  1. De Negri, Teofilo Ossian. Storia di Genova: Mediterraneo, Europa, Atlantico (in Italian). Aldo Martello Editore. p. 320.
  2. Facaros & Pauls 2006, p. 112.
  3. Flag Institute.
  4. Epstein 2001, p. 39.
  5. Finley 2001, p. 120.
  6. Whitehouse 2016, p. 201.
  7. Whitehouse 2016, p. 202.

Books

  • Epstein, Steven A. (2001). Genoa & the Genoese, 958-1528. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 9780807849927.
  • Facaros, Dana; Pauls, Michael (2006). Italian Riviera & Piemonte. London: Cadogan Guides. ISBN 9781860113086.
  • Finley, Amy (2001). Adventure guide the Italian Riviera San Remo, Portofino, Genoa. Edison, New Jersey: Hunter Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9781588435774.
  • Whitehouse, Rosie (2016). Liguria. Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 9781784770105.

Websites


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