Curzola, War of (Venetian-Genoese War of 1294–1299)
Years: 1294 - 1299
Continuing rivalry between the two cities leads to clashes in 1293 and the formal resumption of war in the following year.
The balance of the previous conflict is reversed, with the Genoese thoroughly dominant in battle and the Venetians avoiding it when they can, but with the Genoese suffering heavier damage to their trade than the Venetians.
In 1294 a fleet sent out from Venice is destroyed by a force gathered from Genoa's eastern colonies off the important port of Laiazzo in Cilician Armenia.
The Genoese deploy a fleet of one hundred and sixty-five war-galleys in 1295, the largest ever assembled by either city, but the Venetians avoid battle.
Civil conflict in Genoa prevents the deployment of a major fleet the following year, and the unopposed Venetian fleet raidsthe main Genoese settlements in the eastern Mediterranean, pillaging the suburbs of Phokaia in the Aegean and Caffa in the Crimea, and burning the unwalled settlement of Pera outside Constantinople.In 1297 the Venetians again refuse battle, but they are forced to fight in 1298 when the Genoese fleet under Lamba Doria enters the Adriatic.
In the largest battle ever fought between the two republics, off Korcula (Curzola), the Venetian fleet under Andrea Dandolo is virtually wiped out.
However, the Genoese, who have suffered heavy casualties and are troubled by continuing domestic conflict in Liguria, return home rather than advancing against Venice, and a compromise peace is concluded the following year.
It is in this war that Marco Polo, fighting for his native Venice, is taken prisoner and while in prison will write his memoirs.