It initially established itself as the biggest European power in the Mediterranean, thanks to its trade with the Egypt's sultan in the outlandishly lucrative pepper business. Can't blame the Europeans, really. That stuff's delicious. Oh, you mean like actual pepper? Eh, that's good too. Especially since it masks the taste of spoiled meat, which most meat was in the days before refrigeration. Due to some awkward crusades, the Egyptian merchants weren't terribly welcome in, you know, Europe.