Battles & Campaigns · 1284
Battle of Meloria
Meloria islet, off Livorno, Italy
What happened
The Genoese formed their galleys in two lines. The Pisans advanced against the first line, and Zaccaria's squadron struck their flank. The Pisan fleet was almost destroyed, and Morosini was captured.
Why it matters
It marked the start of Pisa's decline as a sea power in the Mediterranean and as a power in Tuscany.
What came next
Two years later Genoa took Pisa's harbour, Porto Pisano, and Florence eventually conquered Pisa in 1406.
Did you know?
Rustichello da Pisa, who may have been captured here, later wrote down Marco Polo's travels while they were in prison together in Genoa.
Timeline
- 6 Aug 1284Battle of Meloria.
- 1286Genoa takes Porto Pisano.
- 1298Battle of Curzola.
- 1406Florence conquers Pisa.