Venice

Founded in the 5th century, as Byzantine trade networks expanded, Venice grew from a collection of small islands in the Venetian Lagoon into a prosperous city-state. During the Middle Ages, it became a major maritime power and an important center for commerce and art due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the trade routes between Europe and the Orient. The zenith of its power was reached during the Renaissance when it was an epicenter of culture.

 

The Republic of Venice was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as a very important center of commerce (especially silk, grain, and spices) and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century. This made Venice a wealthy city throughout most of its history. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. After a decline in its economic and military power during the 17th century, Venice was eventually conquered by Napoleon in 1797, bringing an end to the millennium-long Republic. However, its historical legacy endures, making Venice an important tourist destination and a symbol of Italian culture and history.