Republic of Noli | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1192–1797 | |||||||||
 Flag  Coat of arms | |||||||||
 Location of the Republic of Noli | |||||||||
 Location of Noli in Italy, depicted along with other maritime republics | |||||||||
| Status | De facto protectorate of theRepublic of Genoa from 1202 to 1797 | ||||||||
| Capital | Noli | ||||||||
| Common languages | |||||||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||||||
| Government | Aristocraticoligarchic republic (City-state) | ||||||||
| Podestà asHead of state | |||||||||
| Historical era | |||||||||
• Established through decree byHenry VI, Holy Roman Emperor | 7 August 1192 | ||||||||
• Annexation by theLigurian Republic | 2 December 1797 | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• Estimate | 1,500 in the 18th century[1] | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Today part of | Italy | ||||||||
TheRepublic of Noli (Italian:Repubblica di Noli;Ligurian:Repubbrica de Nöi) was an Italianmaritime republic inWestern Europe that was centred on the city ofNoli, inLiguria, and existed from 1192 to 1797. The area is now in theprovince of Savona, Italy. To protect itself from possible attacks and invasions bySavona andMarquisate of Finale, Noli allied in 1202 with theRepublic of Genoa in a sort ofprotectorate, in fact, documents of the time show that the relationship was equal and not one of submission.[2] The alliance allowed the Republic of Noli to have such growing importance that in 1239, a diocese was established there byPope Gregory IX.
The Republic of Noli was founded in 1192. After 10 years of existence, the small maritime republic allied itself with the larger and more powerful neighbouringGenoese Republic, which gave Noli the status of a Genoese protectorate until its dissolution in 1797. Throughout its history Noli was ruled by aPodestà.[3] It survived for 605 years before it was annexed byNapoleon in 1797.[4]
Despite its small size, Noli's good shipyard and harbour allowed them to become a commercial power.[5] They had good trade relations with Genoa, as they only had to pay one penny to be allowed to trade in Genoa, whereas the Spanish had to pay 60 pennies to be allowed to trade.[6]
Noli's efficient shipyard allowed them to become somewhat of a naval power, despite its small size.[5] The alliance with Genoa afforded it much protection, especially as Genoa used Noli's port to shelter their ships.[7]
It is known that during a conflict with Savona, Noli sacked the town ofSpotorno, which was owned by them, in 1227.[8]
In 1202, Noli was threatened by the County ofSavona. In response, Noli formed a confederation with the powerfulRepublic of Genoa.[7][4] Noli kept this alliance until they were dissolved in 1797.[5]
The flag of Noli was first created in the 13th century, with a white cross and a red background, the exact opposite of Genoa's flag. Many of the merchant ships of Noli chose to fly under the Genoese flag, as it commanded much more respect.[5]
In 1239, the Pope appointed a bishop to Noli.[9]
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