The Genovese Colonies were a series of settlements established by the Republic of Genoa during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These colonies were primarily located along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, including areas in modern-day Turkey, Tunisia, and Sicily. They served as important trading posts, facilitating commerce between Europe and the East. These colonies played a significant role in the expansion of Genoese trade networks, allowing for the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. The strategic locations of the Genovese Colonies helped enhance Genoa's influence in maritime trade during this period.