a capacious, ocean-capable vessel, and experimented with merchant galleys that reduced oar banks in favour of expanded cargo space. By the 13th century, Genoa and Venice were building the carrack, a fully decked, multi-masted ship combining square and lateen rigs with the stern rudder, enabling large-scale, long-distance trade beyond the Mediterranean and laying the foundation for the Age of Exploration.

From the 12th to the 14th centuries, the Republic of Genoa