La gestione economica della flotta pubblica genovese in età moderna

From its establishment in 1559 until the end of the oligarchic Republic in 1797, the Genoese public fleet consistently operated against corsairs. Despite its limited forces, the upkeep of this fleet placed a heavy burden on public finances. These financial constraints significantly limited the fleet’s effectiveness, with a chronic shortage of resources relative to its missions, eventually leading to a reduction in numbers during the second half of the XVIII century. This study examines several aspects of the financial management of the Genoese public fleet, focusing on issues such as ship repairs, provisioning, and the administration of rowers and crew members. Particularly noteworthy is the analysis of costs related to the provisioning and consumption of sailors, soldiers, and rowers. The research is primarily based on documents preserved in the Archivio di Stato of Genoa, which are essential for understanding the fleet’s financial and logistical operations.