Republic of Ancona

The Republic of Ancona was a medieval commune and maritime republic notable for its economic development and maritime trade, particularly with the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Mediterranean, although somewhat confined by Venetian supremacy on the sea. It enjoyed excellent relations with the Kingdom of Hungary, was an ally of the Republic of Ragusa, and maintained good relations with the Turks. All these relationships enabled it to serve as central Italy's gateway to the Orient.

Included in the Papal States since 774, Ancona came under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire around 1000, but gradually gained independence to become fully independent with the coming of the communes in the 11th century, under the high jurisdiction of the papal state. Its motto was ('Dorian Ancona, city of faith'), referencing the Greek foundation of the city.

Ancona was an oligarchic republic ruled by six Elders, elected by the three ''terzieri'' into which the city was divided: S. Pietro, Porto and Capodimonte. It had a series of maritime laws known as ('Statutes of the sea and of the arsenal') and ('Statutes of the Customs'). Provided by Wikipedia