Trade in Amalfi was based on a triangular pattern, according to Citarella. Wheat, timber, linen and agricultural goods from southern Italy were exported to North Africa in exchange for oil, wax and gold from Tunisia and oriental spices and gold from Egypt. Since the beginning of the ninth century, Amalfitans have had significant influence on the commerce in southern Italy, as well as global political power for maintaining strong relations with the Arabs and the Byzantine empire. Grain, timber, linen cloth and agricultural products such as fruits, nuts and wine were the main exports of Amalfi, which were produced in other areas of southern Italy and then shipped from the Amalfitan ports.
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The reason that the Amalfitans were so successful in trading with the Arabs was that there were consistent markets in North Africa for the products of southern Italy. Grain was of high importance to the Arabs due to the famine conditions in North Africa and the inability to grow crops consistently. Timber was another major export from Amalfi because the Arabs did not have access to a reliable supply of timber: the dry, arid climate did not lend itself to timber production well. High quality linen and cloth materials from Naples and Cava were also highly valued in the markets of North Africa, to the extent that the city of Naples was referred to as "the city of linen cloth." The last major export from Amalfi that the author mentions are agricultural products; specifically wines, seasonal fruits, and nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts. These products were in high enough demand in the North African markets that the agricultural industry was revived in the cities of Naples, Capua, Benevento, Caserta and Salerno.
Since the Amalfitans traded so heavily with the Arabs, it makes sense that they would adopt certain cultural elements from the Arabs. Citarella alludes to the adoption of Arabian currency in Amalfi during the peak of this trade empire. This seems quite sensible since the Amalfitans were doing a large amount of their business transactions in Arabian currency and thus had considerable local circulation of that currency.
In addition to the adoption of Arabian currency, the influence of Arabian architecture is also apparent in Amalfi still today. On our hike along the Amalfi coast, called "The Gods' Footpath," I noticed that the buildings that freckled the steep hillsides looked slightly different than some of the other coastal towns we have visited. The materials used for roofing and the stucco on the facades of some buildings were atypical of other towns, and the architecture in general was slightly less uniform, suggesting that external influences had affected the construction of the town.
Unfortunately, in 1343, Amalfi faced a tragic storm that destroyed much of the harbor and its ports. The strong trade industry that the region had built was never able to recover, and thus had to resort to other industries to keep the economy afloat. Similar to many other towns in Italy, tourism has become the main industry dominating Amalfi.
Even though much of the historical trade industry has disappeared from Italy, traces of the historic culture can still be found and appreciated. This is the case in many of the tourist towns of Italy, and it is difficult to maintain cultural heritage as well as inform tourists of said heritage. However, learning about the cultural and historical significance of a location can make for a much richer experience as a tourist. I am incredibly thankful that I have been able to learn so much about not only the economy in Italy, but also the rich and varied history of the country and will look back on this trip with very fond memories.
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