Abstract

Starting from the comparison between Genoa and Livorno (the chosen place for the English presence in the Mediterranean since about 1630), the author reconstructs the evolution of the relations between Genoa and England. The work focuses on naval traffic, commercial and judicial issues, the change of the role of the consul, the mercantile Huguenot presence and the problems of religious cult. In the relation between the Republic of Genoa and the English Kingdom we also have to consider the theme of the "free port" and the political and ideological idea of self defence of the small states against the greater powers.