If the opening of new sea routes defined an era, then before that, it was undoubtedly the numerous active commercial city-states in Northern Italy that became the undoubted masters of the sea. Although it seems that these small republics with few people are extremely weak, the Italians are smart.

Their talents allow them to successfully be active in every corner of the world.

The Genoese and Venetians are the best examples. Although everyone in Europe dislikes them, including the Pope, because these guys always put their interests first before their faith, even if they issue bans time and time again, the Venetians and Genoese

Or are they constantly providing important services to the pagans driven by profit?

However, no one can deny the importance of the existence of these two countries. For hundreds of years, the Crusades have required Genoese and Venetian ships to transport them, and the Crusaders and pilgrims from Acre to Gaza in the east need them even more.

Only the profits brought by these businessmen can support the hostility and siege of the surrounding countries.

But although Genoa and Venice in northern Italy are the top two, this does not mean that they are the only two that dominate the Eastern Mediterranean trade. As another large city republic in northern Italy, the Republic of Pisa is relatively low-key, but its power must not be underestimated.

.Whether it is Venice or Genoa, Pisa is enough to have enough strength.

Its power is comparable to that of Genoa. As early as two hundred years ago, it had a dispute with Genoa. After nearly a hundred years of friction and fighting, it defeated Genoa many times and even captured Sardinia and Corsica. It can be said that it has always been with Genoa.

The relationship between them is very unharmonious, and despite the passage of time, the contradiction between them has not diminished at all.

This is exactly what Justinian himself is worried about. As a supporter of Genoa, it is conceivable that Nafplion, controlled by the Pisa people, is definitely unpopular, not to mention that the other party has directly stated that he will remain in Nafplion.

Neutrality was unwilling to get involved in the war between the Latins and the Romans. But even so, Justinian came here and came to the city with a small number of guards and followers.

Of course, he did not come alone. A few miles away, a heavily armed army was secretly stationed on the hillside, watching all movements in Nafplio. It was precisely because of this that Justinian was able to persuade the opposition.

Nevsky and Leo, the garrison commander, came here to meet with the Pisa people.

At this moment, Nafplio, whose city gate slowly opened, also warmly welcomed the arrival of Justinian as the governor of Moria. It seemed that Justinian did not have a cold attitude because of his identity.

The honor guard in the city filed out, and the neatly arranged formation moved out of the way. A luxuriously dressed Italian man came out and saluted with a smile on his face:

"It is a great honor to meet you, Your Excellency Justinian. Welcome to your visit. I am Pierre Soderini, the lord of this city!"

"I am also honored to be received by you, Mr. Soderini. It is also an honor for me to be able to see the hospitality of the Pisa people." Justinian also said with a smile. Although the other party was friendly,

However, Justinian did not dare to relax at all. He did not know the attitude of the Pisa people, and all rash actions were foolish risks.

Baron Pierre looked to be in his thirties, with shrewdness written all over his face. Although he was very polite to Justinian's arrival, at the first sight of him, Justinian realized that he was absolutely

It’s not something to be fooled. It’s precisely because of this that the Republic of Pisa

This man was sent here to preside over the overall situation. After all, the Aegean Sea is now dominated by Venice. Even Genoa is completely suppressed by it. However, it is conceivable that the Republic of Pisa can still occupy the important stronghold of Nafplio.

The lords here are by no means idlers.

"Then please come with me, distinguished guest!" Baron Pierre, who bowed and bowed, humbly led a group of people into the city, and Justinian also nodded slightly and asked everyone to dismount and walk into the city.

"It seems that these Pisa people are not as unreasonable as I thought before, which made me nervous for a long time." At this time, Arslan, who was accompanying Justinian, couldn't help but murmured in a low voice.

But Justinian shook his head and whispered: "Don't be careless, everything in front of you can't explain anything now. Don't look at the fierce fighting between city-states like Venice and Genoa, but in fact Italians always only care about interests.

Yes, this will never change at any time. From just now to now, the other party has not mentioned a word about my intention of coming here. Obviously, the other party has hinted in this way that we do not want to be involved. It seems that our trip

I’m afraid it didn’t go that smoothly!”

In just a few words, Justinian had already realized this in his heart, and it was not surprising that the Pisa people here made this choice. You must know that it takes more than two months to get there from Pisa by boat.

Intervening in the war between the Byzantine Empire and the Achaean Principality is definitely not something that Baron Pierre can decide. Therefore, anyone will probably choose to live alone.

But Justinian discovered another layer of strangeness, that is, if the Pisa people really didn't want to participate in this war, why did they allow him to visit?

This is indeed incredible, and while Justinian was thinking about how to deal with it next, he followed the person in front of him into the city of Nafplion.

After leading Justinian into the city of Nafplion, Pierre also showed everything about the city under his rule in front of everyone during Justinian's trip. And this prosperous city

For a moment, everyone who came here could not help but be amazed!

Unlike other towns in Moria that Justinian saw were dilapidated and depressed along the way, Nafplion was full of residents and foreign merchants, and the shops were all filled with goods from all over the place.

The residents live and work in peace and contentment, and both the natives and the foreign Pisa merchants maintain peaceful exchanges. This peaceful scene is extremely valuable in today's war-torn era. Even Justinian could not bear it at the moment.

He stopped for a moment, with an obvious look of surprise on his face.

At this time, I heard Count Pierre talking eloquently and saying with a hint of pride: "Since His Majesty Alexius I granted us the privilege of settling in the empire, the hard-working and honest Pisa people have all abided by their duties, but
Chapter completed!