Republic of Pisa

The Republic of Pisa (Italian: Repubblica di Pisa) was an independent state existing from the 11th to the 15th century, centered on the Tuscan city of Pisa. It rose to become an economic powerhouse, a commercial center whose merchants dominated Mediterranean and Italian trade for a century, before being surpassed and superseded by the Republic of Genoa. The republic's participation in the Crusades secured valuable commercial positions for Pisan traders, leading to increased wealth and power. Pisa was a historical rival to Genoa at sea and to Florence and Lucca on land. It lost its independence to Florence in 1406. The power of Pisa as a mighty maritime nation began to grow and reached its apex in the 11th century.