P. V. N. Myers

“ GROWTH OF THE TOWNS: THE ITALIAN CITY-REPUBLICS.
Relation of the Cities to the Feudal Lords.—When Feudalism took possession of Europe, the cities became a part of the system. Each town formed a part of the fief in which it happened to be situated, and was subject to all the incidents of feudal ownership. It owed allegiance to its lord, must pay to him feudal tribute, and aid him in his war enterprises. As the cities, through their manufactures and trade, were the most wealthy members of the Feudal System, the lords naturally looked to them for money when in need. ”

“ With their growing wealth came not only power, but those other usual accompaniments of wealth,—culture and refinement. The Italian cities were the cradle and home of mediæval art, science, and literature. ”

“ Genoa.—Genoa, on the western coast of Italy, was the most formidable commercial rival of Venice. The period of her greatest prosperity dates from the recapture of Constantinople from the Latins by the Greeks in 1261; for the Genoese had assisted the Greek princes in the recovery of their throne, and as a reward were shown commercial favors by the Greek emperors. ”