In the 13th century, the Republic of Genoa conquered numerous settlements in Crimea, where the Genoese colony of Caffa was established.
The alliance with the restored Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty increased the wealth and power of Genoa and simultaneously decreased Venetian and Pisan commerce.
The Byzantine Empire had granted most of their free trading rights to Genoa.
In 1282, Pisa tried to gain control of the commerce and administration of Corsica, when Sinucello, the judge of Cinarca, revolted against Genoa and asked for Pisan support.

In August 1282, part of the Genoese fleet blockaded Pisan commerce near the River Arno.
During 1283, both Genoa and Pisa made war preparations.
Pisa gathered soldiers from Tuscany and appointed captains from its noble families.
Genoa built 120 galleys; sixty of these belonged to the Republic and the remainder were rented to individuals.
This fleet required at least 15,000 to 17,000 rowers and seamen.

In early 1284, the Genoese fleet tried to conquer Porto Torres and Sassari in Sardinia.
Part of the Genoese merchant fleet defeated a Pisan force while travelling to the Byzantine Empire.
The Genoese fleet blocked Porto Pisano and attacked Pisan ships travelling in the Mediterranean Sea.
A Genoese force of thirty ships led by Benedetto Zaccaria travelled to Porto Torres to support Genoese forces which were besieging Sassari.
In the 13th century, the Republic of Genoa conquered numerous settlements in Crimea, where the Genoese colony of Caffa was established. The alliance with the restored Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty increased the wealth and power of Genoa and simultaneously decreased Venetian and Pisan commerce. The Byzantine Empire had granted most of their free trading rights to Genoa. In 1282, Pisa tried to gain control of the commerce and administration of Corsica, when Sinucello, the judge of Cinarca, revolted against Genoa and asked for Pisan support.
In August 1282, part of the Genoese fleet blockaded Pisan commerce near the River Arno. During 1283, both Genoa and Pisa made war preparations. Pisa gathered soldiers from Tuscany and appointed captains from its noble families. Genoa built 120 galleys; sixty of these belonged to the Republic and the remainder were rented to individuals. This fleet required at least 15,000 to 17,000 rowers and seamen.
In early 1284, the Genoese fleet tried to conquer Porto Torres and Sassari in Sardinia. Part of the Genoese merchant fleet defeated a Pisan force while travelling to the Byzantine Empire. The Genoese fleet blocked Porto Pisano and attacked Pisan ships travelling in the Mediterranean Sea. A Genoese force of thirty ships led by Benedetto Zaccaria travelled to Porto Torres to support Genoese forces which were besieging Sassari.
Battle of Meloria (1284)