Ancient example of using Business Intelligence

There is a state that used combination of espionage and business intelligence since 12 century. State lived independently and neutral  among super powerful empires like Venice and Otoman Empire using skills of diplomacy, espionage and business intelligence. State had huge navy force and powerful trade fleet.

It is Dubrovnik. City/state used business intelligence very intensively. Otherwise would not have survived among Goliaths.

Dubrovnik