Mediterranean Galley Merchant Shipping

Timeline

1. 1101–1301Port of Venice · VeniceVenetian and Genoese merchant fleets opened regular routes with galleys, carrying crusader supplies and Eastern luxuries, initially taking shape as the Mediterranean galley merchant model.
2. 1421–1430Constantinople (late Byzantine period) · Sea of MarmaraUnder Ottoman pressure, Venetian merchant ships adjusted routes and tariff arrangements; galleys still plied routes between Constantinople, Alexandria, and elsewhere, transshipping Eastern spices for distribution to Europe along the Mediterranean's northern shore.
3. 1501–1601Port of Barcelona · CataloniaLarge sailing merchant ships far exceeded galleys in cargo capacity; after Spain and Portugal opened ocean routes, Mediterranean galley shipping gradually gave way to galleons, retaining only coastal and military uses.