A Venetian naval victory over a larger Genoese fleet that undermined the Genoese–Byzantine alliance and shifted Byzantine foreign policy toward Venice.
Key Facts
- Genoese fleet size
- 48 ships
- Venetian fleet size
- 32 ships
- Genoese ships participating
- 14 of 48
- Venetian vessels captured
- 4 Genoese ships captured by Venice
- Byzantine–Venice pact signed
- 1268, five-year non-aggression pact
- Genoese admirals engaged
- 2 of 4
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Genoa and Byzantium had been allied against Venice since the Treaty of Nymphaeum in 1261, and Genoa had been fighting Venice in the War of Saint Sabas since 1256. In 1263, a Genoese fleet of 48 ships sailed toward the Byzantine stronghold of Monemvasia, where it encountered a Venetian fleet of 32 ships.
Only two of the four Genoese admirals chose to engage, committing just 14 of 48 ships. The Venetians, though outnumbered overall, easily routed the partial Genoese force, capturing four vessels and inflicting considerable casualties. The battle demonstrated Genoese unwillingness to press their numerical advantage against the Venetian navy.
The defeat damaged Genoese credibility with Byzantium, prompting the Byzantines to distance themselves from Genoa and conclude a five-year non-aggression pact with Venice in 1268. Genoa subsequently avoided direct naval confrontation with Venice, shifting to commerce raiding, but suffered another decisive defeat at the Battle of Trapani in 1266.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent