Shipping in Dubrovnik between the fifteenth and seventienth centuries

Dubrovnik's maritime trade, a cornerstone of its political and economic power, was predominantly seaborne by the 15th century, with land-based trade accounting for only a quarter. The Ragusan Republic (later Dubrovnik) flourished through strategic investments in shipping, pioneering the world's first maritime insurance law in 1568—a century ahead of similar regulations. Its shipbuilding prowess was unmatched in the Mediterranean, ranking third globally by the 16th century after Spain and the Netherlands. The study highlights Dubrovnik's resilience against piracy (e.g., Rhodes, 1507–1509) and its extensive network across Europe, including shipyards on nearby islands like Lopud and Šipan. Historical records, such as those by Coronelli (1688) and Crescentio (1602), underscore Dubrovnik's dominance in naval craftsmanship and trade, cementing its legacy as a maritime powerhouse.

Bašić, Đ. (2017). Shipping in Dubrovnik between the fifteenth and seventienth centuries. Journal of Maritime & Transportation Science, 53(1), 93–141. Internet Archive. https://doi.org/10.18048/5307