Marino Boccanegra

Genoese admiral

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June 22, 2026

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Marino Boccanegra was a Genoese admiral who served the Genoese republic. He was the brother of Guglielmo Boccanegra, who became virtual dictator of Genoa in 1257. Marino commanded a Genoese fleet that helped the Byzantines recapture Constantinople in 1261.1

The Boccanegra family was a prominent Genoese family involved in popular revolutions and provided several admirals to Genoa and Spain. Simone Boccanegra, a descendant of Guglielmo's brother Lanfranco, became the first doge of Genoa in 1339. Simone's brother, Egidio Boccanegra, served as grand admiral for Alfonso XI of Castile and achieved a significant naval victory in 1344. Egidio's son, Ambrogio, also had naval successes, including a victory against an English fleet at the Battle of La Rochelle.1

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Boccanegra Family
…the same year Guglielmo’s brother Marino, commanding a Genoese fleet, helped the Byzantines to recover Constantinople from Venice. In 1262 Genoese nobles overthrew Guglielmo; his brother Lanfranco was killed in the insurrection, and Guglielmo was condemned to perpetual exile. The command of the fleet was taken from Marino and divided…
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…the same year Guglielmo’s brother Marino, commanding a Genoese fleet, helped the Byzantines to recover Constantinople from Venice. In 1262 Genoese nobles overthrew Guglielmo; his brother Lanfranco was killed in the insurrection, and Guglielmo was condemned to perpetual exile. The command of the fleet was taken from Marino and divided…
Read More