I just started reading this book, but it is really good. Easily readable. So, let's get started!
Introduction: Venice founded in March 25, 421 and 452 after Atilla the Hun over-ran the city. Western Roman Empire, WRE (economy) in decline. Eastern Roman Empire, ERE still going strong (until 700s.) And here comes Veneto onto the scene. Roman rulers ruled from Ravenna, near by. Roman Empire divided into two halves by Diocletian in late third century. Constantine I, first Christian Emperor, founds Constantinople (Istanbul) in 330 AD; capital of ERE. Romulus Augustus, 476 AD, last Roman Emperor in the WRE; conquered by Odoacer, a Gothic war lord. 488 Theodoric wanted to overthrow Odoacer. 493 Theodoric captures Ravenna and co-rule with Odoacer, but then assassinates him during a banquet to celebrate.
Chapter 1: Refugees on the Lagoon: The Origins of Venice
The lagoons were created from the run off from the Alps, sediment.
Sediment caused banks to be formed. Lidi or islands near the Adriatic. Canals were present.
Fun Fact: Ravenna was a port at this time and now it is inland due to the growth of the coast line due to sedimentation.
Main road between WRE and ERE was the Via Postumia, which went through this region.
Culturally, Veneto was a mix of Roman, Greek and Leventine elements
- Gothic Invasion - Rome sacked 410 AD
Foundation Stories: Padua sent 3 consuls to an island group to Rivoalto or "high bank", today's Rialto. And there was a winding canal, Grand Canal, to establish a trading post. (Trade is the foundation of the Venetian economy.)
Venice gets rich from salt trade. Up until medieval & Renaissance times. The Salt Office was an important office.
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