Republic of Ancona

Republic of Ancona
  • Respublica anconitana (Latin)
c. 1000 (1198)–1532
Flag of Republic of Ancona
Flag
(1174–1532)
Coat of arms of Republic of Ancona
Coat of arms
Motto: Ancon dorica civitas fidei (Latin)
Dorian Ancona, city of faith
Republic of Ancona in the 15th century – borders and castles
Republic of Ancona in the 15th century – borders and castles
Statusde facto independence, autonomous republic under high papal sovereignty
CapitalAncona
Common languagesLatin, Marchigiano dialect
Religion
Roman Catholicism, Judaism
Governmentoligarchic republic with popular representation
Historical eraMiddle Ages, Renaissance
• gradual acquisition of autonomy
c. 1000 (1198)
• Coup d'état by pope Clement VII
1532
CurrencyAgontano
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Kingdom of Italy (Holy Roman Empire)
Papal States
Today part ofItaly

The Republic of Ancona was a medieval commune and maritime republic on the Adriatic coast of modern-day Italy, notable for its economic development and maritime trade,[1] particularly with the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Mediterranean, although somewhat confined by Venetian supremacy on the sea.[2] It enjoyed excellent relations with the Kingdom of Hungary,[3] was an ally of the Republic of Ragusa,[4] and maintained good relations with the Ottoman Empire. All these relationships enabled it to serve as central Italy's gateway to the Orient.

Included in the Papal States since 774, Ancona came under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire around 1000, but gradually gained independence to become fully independent with the coming of the communes in the 11th century, under the high jurisdiction of the papal state.[5][6] Its motto was Ancon dorica civitas fidei ('Dorian Ancona, city of faith'), referencing the Greek foundation of the city.

Ancona was an oligarchic republic ruled by six Elders, elected by the three terzieri into which the city was divided: S. Pietro, Porto and Capodimonte. It had a series of maritime laws known as Statuti del mare e del Terzenale ('Statutes of the sea and of the arsenal') and Statuti della Dogana ('Statutes of the Customs').[7]

  1. ^ The International Geographic Encyclopedia and Atlas, Ancona (p. 27), Springer, 1979. ISBN 9781349050024.
  2. ^
  3. ^ Guida rossa (red guide) of Touring Club Italiano (page 88).
  4. ^
    • Francis F. Carter, Dubrovnik (Ragusa): A Classical City-state, publisher: Seminar Press, London-New York, 1972 ISBN 978-0-12-812950-0;
    • Robin Harris, Dubrovnik: A History, publisher: Saqi Books, 2006. p. 127, ISBN 978-0-86356-959-3
  5. ^ Armando Lodolini, Le repubbliche del mare, publisher: Biblioteca di storia patria, Rome, 1967 (chapter Ancona)
  6. ^ World Vexilology and Heraldry: Italy – Centre
  7. ^ James Reddie, Historical View of the Law of Maritime Commerce, W. Blackwood and sons, 1841.

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