Tag: Doge

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The Venetian State

The Doge

The interior of the Sala Maggior Consiglio - painting by Joseph Heintz the Younger
The interior of the Sala Maggior Consiglio - painting by Joseph Heintz the Younger ca. 1648-50

The doge was the elected head of the Venetian Republic. He was elected for life by an arcane process that also included drawing lots.

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Why Venice?

Why did Venice become a republic?

Drawing by Giorgio Del Pedros from the book "Venice - the basics"
Medieval Venice - drawing by Giorgio Del Pedros - see note at the bottom of the page

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?