Early Venice
Venice didn’t appear out of nothing – there was something before which led to the Venice we know as the Serenissima.
-
The “Historia Langobardorum” by Paul the Deacon
The “Historia Langobardorum” is the oldest chronicle relevant to the history of Venice. It probably dates to the 780s or 790s.
-
Translatio Marci Evangelistae Venetias (English)
This document is the earliest description of the translation of St Mark to Venice in 827–828, and also of early Venice. This is a translation by René Seindal.
-
Translatio Marci Evangelistae Venetias (Latin)
This document is the earliest description of the translation of St Mark to Venice in 827–828, and also of early Venice. This is the original Latin text.
-
Early Venice
The Venetian people were indigenous, and already present on the territory before Roman times. The Republic of Venice appeared out of the tumultuous centuries in late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. Invasions The earliest times Legends Sources Venetian Stories
-
Archaeological digs in St. Mark’s square
Archaeological digs in the Piazza San Marco have uncovered parts of the ancient church of San Giminiano and a grave of four persons
-
A Drawing of Venice from c. 1350
Dr Sandra Toffolo of the University of St Andrews has found a drawing of Venice from the 1300s in a manuscript in Florence
-
Venice might not have been
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.
-
Why St Mark?
San Marco, or St Mark, is the patron saint of Venice since 828, and the Feast of St Mark on April 25th is an important day in Venice.
-
Invasions of Italy in Late Antiquity
In late Antiquity the north-east of the Italian peninsula suffered many invasions. The wars caused people to move to the safer lagoon areas, and hence to the foundation of Venice.
-
The Birthday of Venice
The Birthday of Venice of is traditionally on March 25th, 421 CE, but this is far more legend than historical truth.