1032-1204

Continuing on from The First City of Modern Europe.

The Venetians banish nepotism once and for all

The Orseolo clan lost control of the dogeship in 1026, but their faction at home, and their alliances with the emperors, kept the pot boiling for another six years. When their last feeble attempt to seize power was crushed, the Venetians resolved to find a more efficient form of government.

A new doge, Domenico Flabanico, oversaw a complete reform. A senate was elected, along with dogal councillors, and doges were required, not requested, to seek their advice. Finally, the system by which a doge would ‘associate’ a kinsman with his rule as a designated successor was forbidden, eliminating the monarchical tendency once and for all.

It was a perfect time to give the ship of state an overhaul, for the Adriatic was becoming a busy place. In northern Italy the reviving towns were asserting their independence against emperor and pope, and embarking on commercial careers of their own.

It’s all about trade