But it was also deliberately chosen as a means of extinguishing freedom.

Finally, if war proved now less burdensome, the exhaustion of Italy and the decay of military spirit rendered the people liable to the scourge of piracy.

The whole sea-coast was systematically plundered by the navies of Barbarossa and Dragut.

The inhabitants of the ports and inland villages were carried off into slavery, and many of the Italians themselves drove a brisk trade in the sale of their compatriots.

Brigandage, following in the wake of agricultural depression and excessive taxation, depopulated the central provinces.