rom the end of the 17th century, Aegean islanders travelled around the western Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Black Sea, either in their own ships, or as crew on foreign ships. Trade was particularly profitable as goods were exchanged between the Ottoman Empire and western Europe at a time of industrial expansion. The Greek communities establish by merchants from the Ottoman Empire in Marseilles, Trieste, Amsterdam and Odessa constituted a significant commercial and intellectual presence, owning the largest commercial houses. The economic prosperity of the Greek communities abroad allowed them to pursue philanthropic and cultural activities, run printing-presses and support cultural foundations back home. Equally important was the support the Greek diaspora gave to the Greek Revolution, in the form of both personal assistance and the contribution of funds, ships and munitions.