History of Venice
how venice was born - a brief outline
Here follow some informations on the history of Venice, Italy. This page has been appreciate by readers as it can answer many questions and curiosities. Plenty of books will help you learn more about the Serenissima Repubblica (as Venice was known in the past, when it was a powerful state), the Doges, Marco Polo (first European merchant to open the Silk Road), St.Mark's. The cultural journey to Venezia never ends. So let's start to explore the history of Venice: from foundations to nowadays.
Born Of Venice
According to tradition, Venice was founded in 421 AD on April 25th, St.Mark's day, who is the patron saint of Venice. The most important village in the lagoon by that time is not Venice but Torcello, where in 639 the gorgeous Cathedral was built, and where many people are seeking refuge from barbarian invasions. Step by step, Venice was built on several islands of a lagoon, then linked by bridges.
TAGS : St. Mark's day, lagoon islands, barbarian invasions
The Ages of the Doges
In Venice the Doges' government is established: the first historically known doge is Orso Ipato (in 726). The year 814 is the starting date of the construction of Palazzo Ducale (Doges' Palace) in what is today St. Mark's Square. The Basilica St. Mark's instead was began in 834, but this first basilica went burnt down. More important Doges were: ...
Tags : Tiepolo, Manin, Dandolo, Barbarigo, Venier, Orseolo, Giustinian
Marco Polo
The journey of the Venetian merchant Marco Polo from Venice to China is one of the most fascinating true stories of Middle Ages (1271-95). His adventure and the meeting with Gengis Khan are told in the book 'Il Milione'.
TAGS : The travel of Marco polo
Marinari and Serenissima Republic
In 1348, Venice population is halved by the plague. In spite of this, Venice succeeds in becoming the leader of the 4 seapowers of Mediterranean Sea: the other ones were the Republics of Amalfi, Genoa and La Spezia. In 1489 Venice conquers the island of Cyprus. Another great plague affects Italy in 1630, and for Serenissima Repubblica this is the beginning of the decadence.
TAGS : Serenissima republic
Decline Of Venice
Repubblica Serenissima di Venezia, the Venetian Republic, was defeated
by Napoleon in 1797 and it became a part of the Hapsburg Empire (Austria).
The plague of Venice (1830).
Venetians attempt to free their land from the Hapsburg (1848). In 1860
the army of Giuseppe Garibaldi make it possible for Italy to become
a nation under the reign of the Savoia dynasty; Venice will join Italy
in 1866 after the 3rd Independence War.
TAGS : plague of venice, napoleon and his empire