Italian maritime history

Italian maritime history is rich, shaping global trade, exploration, and naval power. From ancient Rome’s dominance of the Mediterranean, developing advanced shipbuilding and navigation techniques, to the maritime trade routes of Venice and Genoa during the Renaissance, Italy played a central role in commerce and culture. In the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, Italian city-states built powerful navies and merchant fleets, connecting Europe with Asia and Africa. Later, during Italy’s unification and 20th-century conflicts, maritime strategy evolved amid technological advances. Today, Italy continues to leverage its historic maritime expertise through its modern navy and port infrastructure, maintaining its importance in global shipping and regional security.