Venice–Genoa Maritime Rivalry (early 14th century)

Timeline

1. 1301–1303Eastern Mediterranean routes · Aegean SeaAfter the 1298 Battle of Curzola, Genoa captured prominent Venetians including Marco Polo but failed to fully suppress its rival; merchant ships of both sides clashed frequently on Aegean and Black Sea routes, contesting the interests of trading posts in Constantinople and Crimea.
2. 1304–1310Venice and Genoa · Northern ItalyThe pope and the king of France intervened in mediation multiple times; the two sides alternately observed truces and broke them. Armed merchant ships and privateers harassed each other's caravans, and profits from spice, silk, and grain trade drove the city-state councils to continuously expand their forces and prepare for war.