Eraclea (orig. Civitas Nova Heracliana, also Civitanova), founded in 640, was originally situated on a lagoon island. It was the first seat of the doges of Venice, before it moved to Metamauco.
Translation of the parts related to Venice of the “De Administrando Imperio” (c.950) by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus.
Venice is divided into six sestiere whose origin is as old as the city of Venice itself. As far as we know, they have always been there.
Venice was an independent state for almost a millennium, but it might note have been. It all hinged on a single battle fought in the Venetian lagoon in 810.
The Birthday of Venice of is traditionally on March 25th, 421 CE, but this is far more legend than historical truth.
Venice was a republic from the beginning, but in a time when hereditary power was the norm, why did Venice become a republic and not a monarchy?