The Eagle of Eastern Europe

In addition, Italians who made huge profits in industrial and commercial activities also engaged in banking and loan sharking. Some wealthy businessmen are also bankers and financiers with huge amounts of free capital. They operate on a large scale, serve customers all over Europe, and are also responsible for collecting taxes for the Pope. Florence had more than 100 banks in the fourteenth century, and taxes paid to the Holy See by various countries were deposited in local banks. The three major European currency management families, Bardi, Peruzzi and Aziuri, all came from Italy. The currencies of important Italian cities such as florins, ducats, scudos, liras and shields are in the commercial centers of other European countries. very popular.

Moreover, if the Genoese could bring what Peter wanted, then Aragorn would not have to go.

With its superior geographical location, Genoa has always focused on developing its economy of foreign trade. Genoese merchants have been conducting maritime trade with Castile, Aragon, Portugal and other countries a long time ago. At that time, many Genoese merchants settled in Portugal, and the trade between the two countries also brought mutual benefits to the two countries.

Genoa began its rise through expansion across the Mediterranean. The surrounding neighboring islands, such as Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, etc., are full of traces of Genoese merchants. They quickly opened up these islands as important hubs for maritime trade, and at the same time expanded their influence to the coast of North Africa. .

Genoese people are very business-savvy. They do not focus on developing one party's activities, but maximize the resources they can use. This is also one aspect that is different from other commercial city republics. For example, the Venetians at that time carried out sailing activities in groups, from the surrounding islands and later as far away as Beijing, but they rarely developed back doors. Except for patrons from inland cities who were allowed in and out, others were not allowed inland. Visit.

And not only do they have no religious conflicts, they also have no racial prejudice. As long as there is a business need, they can cooperate with people of any race, and boldly communicate with each other and entrust them with tasks. Tolerance towards immigrants was a notable feature of the Genoese people, who allowed many Greeks, Armenians, Tartars and other foreigners to become their citizens. This was the era when Christianity was "returning to Christianity". Riots due to religious disputes would occur in many cities and countries. Genoa was different from some other urban republics in Italy. Genoa did not have any religious disputes. Genoese people were hostile to all forms of religious disputes. The heretics were indifferent, and there was almost no sign of religious dissent.

Walking into Genoa, only Venice can compare. The prosperous trade boosted the local economy, which was then converted into gold coins and pocketed. The market also has everything, and there is almost nothing they don’t have, except for Merino sheep.

Because Merino sheep are unique to Aragon and Castile and cannot be exported, they are not sold on the market even in Genoa.

"Boss, I'm asking you for the last time, is it true?"

"No, really, those are only available to the royal family of Aragon. Ordinary people have no chance at all."

Peter confirmed again and again that there were indeed no Merino sheep. He was a little disappointed, but the businessman gave him another address and said that there should be what he wanted here.

In the evening, Peter put on makeup and came to this place with his entourage. This is a black market in Genoa, where smuggled items are sold, and customers can also place orders to purchase. After all, who would have trouble with money?

"Come and see, here are all the good things from Castile."

When he heard that it was from Castile, Peter became interested. He stepped forward to take a look and saw some unique animals and plants, as well as some knight shields, which seemed to have been obtained from the front line.

"Anything else?"

Peter said something to the businessman, who obviously thought he was a rich man, so he said.

"That depends on what you need."

Peter laughed and said.

"Something from the royal ranch of Castile."

The businessman's expression changed, but he quickly recovered. "plz follow me."

Peter followed him to a place, opened the door, and saw a group of sheep.

"What do you think of these?"

Peter looked at these sheep and was not sure whether they were Merino sheep. The businessman obviously guessed what he was thinking and said.

"They're all from Barcelona and Castilla, absolutely no problem."

Peter was a little worried, but he still bought a few and placed an order for a large number of Merino sheep. The price was also very high, which quickly attracted the attention of many people involved in smuggling.

The news that a wealthy man purchased a large number of Merino sheep spread like wildfire and soon spread throughout this prosperous business place. Some businessmen traveling to and from Aragon also decided to risk their fortunes. As long as they could get a few, they could get extraordinary rewards.

At this time, Peter was listening to the teacher's lecture. He paid several people to teach him Latin, navigation, geography, and mechanics. Although it is very tiring, it is very fulfilling.

They rented a house near the port of Genoa. Seeing the large number of ships coming and going here, and the people coming and going on the pier, Peter felt that Wallachia still had a long way to go.

Although the gap between the East and the West is not big, if it continues like this, it will widen sooner or later. So he decided to recruit craftsmen here and persuade more people to go to the east.

At this time, Peter only had a lot of money. He exchanged a large amount of money in Genoa and converted all the money into gold coins. Then he placed an order at the local shipyard and supervised it personally. Although it's still not as good as Venice, it's still pretty good. Peter's main target is Venice, of course, this premise is that Genoa is obedient.

The Crusades promoted the expansion of Venetian influence and trade to the East. Especially after the Fourth Crusade and the capture of Constantinople in 1204, Venice also established a basis for rule in the Levant. An agreement with the Turks in 1299 gave Venice monopoly on travel to the Holy Land.

Pilgrims could only take Venetian ships to the Holy Land, and the latter had to ensure the personal safety of these believers. This was undoubtedly another profitable business for the Venetians. Venice's unique economic advantages eventually made it the richest Italian urban republic, and it was not greatly affected even by the great economic recession in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Venice at this time was like Athens in the classical era. Both were founded on trade and relied on the navy as a guarantee, and were eventually defeated by another country and declined. Of course, this is something.