How often did city-states use military force to stop small towns from becoming rival ports?
Short answerThey preferred bribery or covert violence before occupation, while major ports relied on fortifications and political protection.
NotesBribery came first, followed by assassination and then occupation if softer methods failed. Hired English soldiers in Italy could disguise the killing of a town leader as banditry. Coastal settlements also faced Barbary corsair raids, which helps explain why many towns stood inland or on defensible hills. A merchant port such as Venice or Genoa needed permanent military protection and substantial fortification. Royal and imperial authority could restrain warfare between trading cities, including London and the German free cities.