A Historical and Analytical Study of the Genoese Port in Annaba, Algeria and its Ancient Maritime Trade Routes with Genoa, Italy

This article represents the first historical study of the port site of Genoa Fortress located on the coast of the city of Annaba (عنابة) in Algeria. In it, we sought to highlight this coastal maritime cultural heritage and introduce it by showcasing its role, commercial activity, and the events that the port experienced during various historical periods, along with the sequence and origin of its name over these periods. We also provided a brief historical overview of the city of Annaba (عنابة). Additionally, we explored its relationship with ports on other shores of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Genoa in Italy, by extracting ideal Genoese maritime routes between Genoa and Annaba (عنابة), utilizing various new methodologies. Therefore, our main objective in this study was to highlight new and significant historical aspects of the Algerian city of Annaba (عنابة), especially during the Middle Ages, through the intensive application of various methodologies, including Google Earth Pro 2023 and geographic information systems. This aimed to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of how sailors, in general, and Genoese sailors, in particular, selected ideal maritime routes during ancient and medieval historical periods (The maritime route between the port of Genoa in Annaba (عنابة) and the port of Genoa in Genoa as a case study.).