Resilience in conflict: Venetian merchants and the dynamics of trade in wartime in the Renaissance

This study examines the interplay between warfare and commerce in Renaissance Italy, focusing on Venetian trading companies during the Ottoman War (1463-79) and the War of Ferrara (1482-84). Through historical accounts, including accounting records and merchant letters, it demonstrates their strategic adaptability to wartime trade disruptions. The study focuses on the utilisation of temporary commodity chains, particularly in the context of woollen cloth, and the role of intermediaries in leveraging local resources to meet international demand. These measures not only ensured the maintenance of trade flows but also served as provisional tactics until conflicts were resolved, thereby demonstrating the merchants' resilience and flexibility in dealing with the challenges posed by warfare. This research provides insights into the enduring trade networks facilitated by Venetian merchants' adaptability during times of conflict.