Venice was the largest shipbuilder during most of the middle ages, with the largest merchant marine, and they profited the most from the gold trade. They also had a jewish ghetto. This is also why Marco Polo was the Mongol's most important diplomat, they had an alliance with the mongols!https://archive.schillerinstitute.com/fid_91-96/954_Gallagher_Venice_rig.html
