Genoese Overseas Trading Post Network

Timeline

1. 1150–1220Eastern Mediterranean · Eastern MediterraneanGenoese merchants obtained trading privileges in Levantine ports such as Acre and Tyre, establishing fondachi and warehouses and linking Western European woolens with Eastern silk and spices, forming an initial overseas base network.
2. 1241–1250Caffa · CrimeaIn the 1240s Genoa established a large colonial trading post at Caffa in Crimea, controlling the distribution of grain, furs, and Eastern goods along the northern Black Sea coast; its fondaco enjoyed autonomous jurisdiction and tariff privileges, becoming a hub linking the steppe Silk Road with the Mediterranean.
3. 1250–1300Mediterranean and Black Sea · Black SeaGenoa's trading post network extended to Istanbul, Alexandria in Egypt, and North African ports, forming a three-way Mediterranean commercial rivalry with Venice and Pisa, while banking and bills of exchange supported long-distance trade settlement.
4. 1301–1501Genoa · LiguriaWars with Venice in the 14th century and the Black Death devastated the trading post economy; after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Eastern routes were rerouted and Genoa's overseas network gradually contracted, though its banking legacy had lasting influence.