![]() Thus, in the 10th and 11th centuries they were able to switch to an offensive stance, taking advantage of the rivalry between the Byzantine and Islamic maritime powers and competing with them for control over commerce and trade routes to Asia and Africa. These cities, exposed to pirate raids (mostly Saracen), organized their own defence, providing themselves substantial war fleets. The growing independence acquired by some coastal cities gave them a leading role in this development. The economic growth of Europe around the year 1000, together with the hazards of the mainland trading routes, made possible the development of major commercial routes along the Mediterranean coast. ![]() ![]() The expression "maritime republics" refers to the Italian city-states which, since the Middle Ages, enjoyed political autonomy and economic prosperity, thanks to their maritime activities. ![]() Map and coats of arms of the maritime republics
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