Abstract

In 1192, Genoese and Pisan pirates under the command of a Genoese corsair pillaged Venetian ships carrying merchandise and valuable gifts for the Byzantine emperor from the Sultan of Egypt. This paper examines the escalation and resolution of this maritime conflict between the Byzantines and the Genoese. Following Genoa’s failure to resolve the incident as requested, the emperor implemented measures against the Genoese residents of Constantinople. The solution chosen by the Byzantine emperor bears striking resemblance to the practice of ius represaliarum, a practice familiar in Western Europe that would later evolve and influence international law in medieval and early modern Europe. The case in focus demonstrates how a merchants’ custom linked to Western Europe was first ‘introduced’ into Byzantine practice.

Highlights

  • This paper examines the escalation and resolution of this maritime conflict between the Byzantines and the Genoese

  • The solution chosen by the Byzantine emperor bears striking resemblance to the practice of ius represaliarum, a practice familiar in Western Europe that would later evolve and influence international law in medieval and early modern Europe

  • The piracy incident and the emperor’s solution In November 1192, the Byzantine emperor Isaac II Angelos sent a furious letter to the consuls, senators and citizens of Genoa complaining about an act of piracy that had occurred within the Byzantine Empire

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Summary

University of Groningen

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are advised to consult the publisher's version (publisher's PDF) if you wish to cite from it. Document Version Publisher's PDF, known as Version of record. Citation for published version (APA): Penna, D. More information can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/library/open-access/self-archiving-pure/taverneamendment. Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum

Daphne Penna
Daphne Penna*
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