Duchy of Amalfi

The Duchy of Amalfi (Latin: Ducatus Amalphitanus) or the Republic of Amalfi was an independent state near the city of Amalfi. It existed during the 10th and 11th centuries.

The city of Amalfi was originally part of the Duchy of Naples. In 958, the people chose a leader called a duke or doge.

Amalfi became a busy trading city. Its merchants were important in Mediterranean and Italian trade. Later, other trading cities like Pisa, Venice, Genoa, Ancona and Gaeta became more powerful.

In 1073, Amalfi lost its independence. It was taken over by Norman forces, and later by Pisa in 1137.

History

The city of Amalfi started as a trading place in the year 339. Its first bishop was chosen in 596. In 838, the city was taken over by a ruler named Sicard of Benevento. Later, in 839, Amalfi broke free and chose a leader called a prefect. Nearby Atrani helped in these early elections.

Amalfi worked to support Siconulf against the Prince of Benevento. In 897, Amalfi lost a war but later became its own republic. In 914, a man named Mastalus I became the first judge. In 903, Amalfi and Naples tried to fight against Arab groups but were unsuccessful. In 915, Amalfi chose not to fight because they were trading with the Fatimid Caliphate.

In 958, Mastalus II was killed, and Sergius I became the first duke. From 981 to 983, Amalfi controlled the area around Salerno. In 987, Amalfi’s church became an important seat. Later, Amalfi was taken over and then conquered by a man named Robert Guiscard. Amalfi tried to fight back but was defeated. In the years 1135 and 1137, the city was attacked and never fully recovered its former greatness.

Importance

See also: Hospital of St. John (Jerusalem)

After freeing themselves from nearby rulers, the people of Amalfi became independent. They became strong at sea and traded with many places. Amalfi had important ties with the Byzantine Empire and the Fatimid Caliphate. During the 10th and 11th centuries, many people from Amalfi lived in Constantinople. They also set up places for Christian travelers in the Levant, such as in Jerusalem and Antioch. Amalfi was a key player in trade with North Africa and the Levant, and one of their main products was the chestnut.

Legacy

Even after losing its independence in 1137, the city of Amalfi stayed important for sea trade for about 200 years. In 1343, a big earthquake and a storm damaged most of its harbor. One big achievement from Amalfi was improving the compass. Between 1295 and 1302, Flavio Gioia changed the compass from a needle in water to the box-shaped compass we use today.

The Knights Hospitaller, a group of soldiers who helped during the Crusades, started with monks from Amalfi. They used a special eight-pointed cross from the duchy as one of their symbols. Later, when they moved to Malta, this symbol became known as the Maltese cross and is still used by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta today.