myth of venice Flashcards
How did Petrarch describe Venice?
As ‘the one home of liberty, peace, and justice, the one refuge of honorable men’
Petrarch praised Venice for its tranquility and civic concord amidst tyranny and war.
What did Philippe de Commynes state about the population demographics of Venice in 1495?
Most of their people are foreigners
This highlights Venice’s cosmopolitan nature.
What was the Venetian Ghetto established in 1516 known for?
Curfew restrictions, Christian guards policing, and property ownership restrictions
The Ghetto was a segregated area for Jews with specific regulations.
True or False: Jews were permitted to reside in Venice before the establishment of the Ghetto in 1516.
False
Prior to 1516, Jews were not allowed to live in Venice, but there was a community in nearby Mestre.
What were some of the pragmatic motives behind the Venetian government’s policies towards Jews?
- Refugees from Cambrai war
- Commercial interests (Jewish merchants)
- Fiscal needs (heavy taxes)
- Welfare services (Jewish pawn banks)
These motives were more about practical needs than moral considerations.
What restrictions were placed on Jews in the Venetian Ghetto?
- Residency in the ghetto
- Curfew restrictions
- Yellow head-covering
These regulations were part of the Condotta, the Jewish charter.
Fill in the blank: The Jewish right to reside in Venice was _______ and renewable every 5/10 years.
not permanent
This meant the Jewish community’s presence in Venice was contingent on government decisions.
What did Benjamin Ravid state about the ghetto in Venice?
It restricted Jews but recognized their legal right to live in the city
Ravid highlighted the dual nature of the ghetto’s implications.
What was the fondaco dei Tedeschi?
A German exchange house that housed German merchants
It was established to manage the presence of German merchants in Venice.
What was the status of Protestantism in Venice?
Not permitted publicly; tolerated only privately
Public expressions of Protestant heresy were persecuted.
What was the outcome of the 1573 petition by Ottoman merchants?
Establishment of the fondaco dei turchi in 1621 for Ottoman Muslims
This included curfew restrictions and was to segregate them from Christians.
How did Venice’s governance relate to antisemitic sentiments?
The government regulated clergy and inflammatory preaching
This was to mitigate popular hostility against Jews.
What was the primary purpose of the Senate Decree on March 29, 1516?
To allow Jews to live in Venice for pragmatic reasons, primarily to protect Christian property
This decree set the framework for Jewish residency in Venice.
What was a significant feature of the Venetian Ghetto regarding religious practice?
Guaranteed Jewish religious freedoms within the ghetto
This included the right to have synagogues and a cemetery.
True or False: Venice had a racial ideology that enforced strict ethnic segregation.
False
Venice had a hierarchical society based on nobility, occupational, and religious groups without a racial ideology.
What did David Ruderman suggest about the ghetto’s impact on Jewish identity?
It provided Jews a defined place within Christian society and opened new opportunities for cultural dialogue
Ruderman emphasized the paradoxical benefits of segregation.
What does Jacobello del Fiore’s work on Justice between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel emphasize?
Gentle with the pious, harsh with the evil, and haughty with the proud
The work reflects the moral expectations of justice.
What is a key characteristic of judges in Venice?
All judges drawn exclusively from the Venetian nobility
This indicates the aristocratic nature of the justice system.
What does Giulio Del Pozzo imply about the youth of Venice?
Born to rule, has justice instilled in its blood
Reflects the belief in noble lineage as a source of justice.
What was essential for becoming a judge in Venice?
Noble birth
This reinforces justice as a symbol of aristocratic rule.
How were judges primarily elected in Venice?
Majority elected by the Great Council
With some exceptions for superior and special magistracies.
What measures were taken in Venice to prevent corruption among judges?
- Limited Term of Office
- Contumacy Restrictions
- All decisions put to vote
- Quorum restrictions
- No legal training required
These measures aimed to ensure fairness and reduce the potential for corruption.
True or False: The Venetian justice system was entirely impartial.
False
The system faced criticisms regarding its impartiality and favoritism.
What sources of law were recognized in Venice?
- Statutes
- Precedent
- Custom and tradition
Roman law was formally excluded to maintain Venice’s political independence.
What does ‘Arbitrium’ refer to in the context of Venetian justice?
Judgement according to conscience rather than reason
It emphasizes a more flexible and pragmatic approach to justice.
Who criticized the Venetian government as a true aristocracy?
Jean Bodin
While he criticized the government form, he praised its justice.
What is the significance of equity in Venetian justice?
It emphasizes moral conscience and flexibility in legal judgments
Equity was seen as a necessary complement to rigid law.
Fill in the blank: According to Bodin, Venetian justice is described as an ideal combination of the ________ of law and the flexibility of equity.
[rigour]
This reflects Bodin’s view of a balanced justice system.
What was the role of the Council of Ten in Venetian justice?
State security and judicial authority
It was often criticized for being a symbol of oligarchy.
What happened to Antonio Foscarini in 1622?
Executed on secret charges
His case became emblematic of criticisms of the Venetian justice system.
What did critics say about the Council of Ten’s judicial processes?
Defendants were not informed of accusations or allowed proper defense
This raised concerns about fairness and transparency.
What does the term ‘anti-myth texts’ refer to?
Critiques linking judicial abuses to the oligarchy
These texts emerged in the 17th century as a response to perceived injustices.
How does Francesco Da Mosto describe St Mark’s Square?
As a great stage set for its ceremonial life
Francesco Da Mosto emphasizes the theatrical aspect of urban design in Venice.
What does Crouzet-Pavan state about urban construction in the sixteenth century?
It worked quite deliberately to create a theatrical setting in the central areas of the city
This reflects the intentional design of urban spaces to enhance public rituals.
What types of rituals are included in modern life?
- Private ritual
- Religious ritual
- National ritual
These rituals play significant roles in cultural and social identity.
How does Johan Huizinga define ritual?
As serious play
Huizinga’s perspective highlights the importance of ritual in human culture and society.
What is Clifford Geertz’s definition of rituals?
Rituals are a story people tell themselves about themselves
This definition emphasizes the narrative aspect of rituals in shaping identity.
How does Muir describe rituals?
As dramatic illustrations of myth
This suggests that rituals serve to express and reinforce cultural myths.
What is Kertzer’s behavioural definition of ritual?
Symbolic behaviour that is socially standardized and repetitive
Kertzer emphasizes the structured and repetitive nature of rituals.
What is meant by the ‘ritual moment’?
Special moments in time that establish collective memory
These moments are significant for community identity and memory.
What does the 1495 Palm Sunday procession signify in terms of rituals?
A display of a gold cloth described as ‘a new thing… never done before’
This highlights the innovation and importance of ritual displays.
What functions do rituals serve?
- Communicate shared values
- Establish collective identity
- Present a legible map of social hierarchy
Rituals play a crucial role in social cohesion and identity.
What is the Festival of Twelve Marys?
A traditional festival commemorating the rescue of twelve Venetian maidens captured by pirates
This festival reflects local culture and community engagement.
What role did local neighborhoods play in the Festival of Twelve Marys?
Competed with festive displays, including wooden effigies of Mary paraded in boats
This competition among neighborhoods illustrates local pride and community spirit.
Why was the Festival of Twelve Marys abolished in 1379?
On the pretext of needing to save money during the war with Genoa
Economic factors often influence the continuation or cessation of public rituals.
What was the Giovedi Grasso festival commemorating?
A twelfth-century dispute that led to an annual tribute of one bull, twelve pigs, and 300 loaves of bread
This illustrates the historical origins of specific rituals in Venice.
What changes occurred to the Giovedi Grasso festival in 1525?
The Council of Ten reform removed the 12 pigs, deeming the custom as ‘utterly ridiculous’
Changes in governance can lead to the transformation of traditional rituals.
What is the role of the Doge in the processions?
Symbolizes the importance of the Doge and his position in upholding the Venetian myth
The Doge’s role is central in both governance and cultural representation.
What were the key elements of the procession of the Doge?
- Eight standard bearers
- Musicians with silver trumpets
- Squires of visiting ambassadors
This illustrates the elaborate nature of official processions in Venice.
What significant anniversaries were marked by rituals in Venice?
- 6 Dec, anniversary of Conquest of Constantinople 1204
- 7 Oct, anniversary of Lepanto 1570
- 15 June, anniversary of the Querini-Tiepolo conspiracy 1310
These events reflect the historical significance and commemorative nature of rituals.
True or False: Ritual processions are a key part of Venetian religious and civic life.
True
Rituals are integral to the identity and governance of Venice.
What are the characteristics of ritual processions in Venice?
- State regulation
- Broad audiences
- Hierarchical ordering
These characteristics highlight the organized and communal aspects of Venetian rituals.
What were some political movements in late medieval Italy?
Expansion of territorial states, political fragmentation, power increasingly transferred to signori (lords)
What were some key features of the Venetian Empire?
Maritime (until c15), colonial, powerful navy, reliance on trade
Name some examples of industries where Venetians traded
Spices, silks, slaves, wines
What notable events in Venice happened during the time of Contarini?
Italian wars (1494-1529), fall of Constantinople, Venice pursued foreign policy of peace and neutrality
What were Aristotle’s three virtuous forms of government?
Monarchy (rule of one), aristocracy (rule of the few) and popular government (rule of the many)
How could each virtuous form of government be corrupted?
Monarchy-Tyranny, Aristocracy-Oligarchy, Popular government-Mob Rule
What was the goal of medieval scholastic philosophy in Venice?
To reconcile select classical philosophers, chiefly Aristotle, with Christian teachings.
How did humanists differ from medieval scholastics in their approach to philosophy?
Humanists adopted a more flexible, historicist approach, understanding authors in the context of their own times.
Who were many of the humanists, and what did this signify about scholarship?
Many humanists were educated laity, signifying that scholarship was no longer exclusively clerical.
What classical forms of writing did humanists study and imitate?
Humanists studied and imitated forms like the ‘panegyric’—a speech intended to praise something.
What modern skill were humanists particularly known for, earning them a nickname?
They were skilled in rhetoric and known as the first ‘spin doctors’.
Which classical philosopher was especially revered by humanists for his political philosophy?
Aristotle
What was Machiavelli’s cycle of states?
Popular govt > mob rule > aristocracy > oligarchy > monarchy > tyranny > popular govt
What was Machiavelli’s quote regarding the cycle of states?
“If in one and the same state there was principality, aristocracy and democracy each would keep watch over the other.”
What comprised the ‘mixed government’ of Venice?
Monarchy (the Doge), Aristocracy (the Senate), Popular Government (the Great Council)
What comprised the Great Council?
2500 adult male nobles with hereditary elective power
What was the Serrata and when was it implemented?
The 1297 ‘closing’ - meaning no new families could be added to the Great Council
What was the Libro d’oro (golden book) and when was it created
Created in 1506, was the state records of eligibility for council
What comprised the senate?
300 wealthy and highly educated nobles
What was the senate
The main legislative council
What was the Collegio?
The steering committee of the senate
What comprised the collegio?
The Doge, 6 Ducal Counsellors, 3 standing committees - Savi agli Ordini (maritime), Savi di Terraferma (mainland), Savi Grandi (general)
What comprised the Doge’s role?
Elected for life, ceremonial role, chair of all executive committees, no independent power
What was a main characteristic of Venetian political attitude?
Hated the idea of dynasties or hereditary ruling families
What was the Council of Ten and when was it established?
The state security council established 1310
What was the Council of Ten comprised of?
The 10 elected members, the Doge and the 6 Ducal Counsellors
What was the Esecutori contro la bestemmia (1537) from the Council of Ten?
Enforced moral order vs blasphemy, gambling, publishing etc.
What was the Inquisitori contro la propalazione dei pubblici segreti (1539) by the Council of Ten?
Prevented diffusion of political information by the ruling class
What social change happened in the 1580s regarding the Venetian political system?
Struggles from the ‘lesser nobles’ (youth) to ‘correct’ the Council of Ten’s excessive powers
When was Venice traditionally founded, according to legend?
25th March 421, the Feast of the Annunciation
What phrase is associated with St Mark’s vision in Venice?
“Pax tibi, Marce, evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum.” (“May Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist. Here your body will rest.”)
How did George of Trebizond describe Venice in terms of war in 1452?
As “the mistress of peace,”, whose wealth increased due to her pursuit of peace and God’s grace.
What did Gabriele Fiamma claim about Venice’s greatness?
He attributed Venice’s greatness, victories and fortune to the protection of St. Mark
What does the ‘translatio’ of St Mark’s body represent?
The transfer of St Mark’s relics to Venice, symbolising divine protection and legitimacy for the city
How was religion strongly controlled by the Venetian state?
Through processes like St Mark’s Day processions, control of church appointments, and restricting papal influence in government
Who was excluded from political office in Venice despite serving as clergy?
Venetian nobles who became clergy
What was the Venetian Inquisition (Sant’Uffizio) and when was it established?
A mixed body of three churchmen and three Venetian nobles created in 1547 to combat heresy
How did the Fourth Crusade benefit Venice?
Venice gained one third of Byzantine territory and art treasures, including the horses of St Mark, despite papal disapproval
How did Venice justify its attack on Zara during the Fourth Crusade?
By arguing it was a rebellious city and by claiming the Pope supported the campaign to reconcile the Eastern Church with Rome
What did Pope Pius II criticise about Venice in his ‘Commentaries’?
He accused Venetians of worshipping the state as a deity and prioritising state interests over faith and morality
What triggered Venice’s excommunication and interdict in 1509?
Pope Julius II’s actions during the War of Cambrai due to disputes over church lands and taxation
Who defended Venice’s secular authority during the Interdict Crisis (1606-7)
Paolo Sarpi, a Servite Friari and champion of secularism
What role did art and monuments play in reinforcing Venetian myths?
They celebrated victories, like the Fourth Crusade, and symbols like the Lion of St Mark embodied Venetian power and divine favour
What was the Venetian Senate’s response to papal decrees during interdicts?
They often forbade publication of papal decrees and kept churches under state guard
How did Gentile Bellini’s ‘Procession in Piazza San Marco’ depict Venice?
As a city of grandeur and unity, with rituals reinforcing civic pride and divine protection
What role did confraternities play in Venetian religious life?
They organised processions and charitable activities, blending civic and religious responsibilities
What was the significance of the ‘Triumphal Quadriga’ in Venice?
It symbolised Venice’s spoils of war and cultural dominance after the Fourth Crusade
What criticism did William Bedell make of Venetian religious practices in 1608?
He accused Venetians of idolatry and excessive reliance on visual splendour in religious ceremonies
How did Venetian political flexibility influence its survival?
By balancing state and religious interests, and using myths and symbols to maintain internal cohesion and external prestige
How was Venice often symbolised in literature and art?
As a feminine, virgin city, such as in James Howell’s description of Venice as “Neptune’s Minion” and “an intemerate Virgin”
What parallel was drawn between Venus and Venice?
Both were seen as born of the sea, with Venus symbolising love and Venice symbolising political strategy
What did Pietro Casola say about Venetian merchandise in 1494?
He noted the “quality of merchandise” in Venice was so vast it was “inestimable”
How did Giovanni Botero describe Venetian trade in 1605?
As “a summary of the universe”, with goods from every corner of the world in abundance
What role did Venice play in the production of erotic art and literature?
It became a centre for works by artists like Titian and writers such as Giorgio Baffo and Casanova
How did Venice regulate prostitution in 1358?
The Great Council established a law designating specific places for prostitutes to operate
What was the purpose of the Castelletto, established in 1456?
A fortified brothel at Rialto where all prostitutes were required to work
What restrictions were placed on prostitutes in 1543?
They were banned from wearing gold, silver, silk, pearls or other fine adornments to distinguish them from noblewomen
What vice did Venice aim to discourage through regulating prostitution?
Sodomy (anal sex), considered a greater sin, as noted in Priuli’s 1509 diary
What did Ascham observe about Venetian marriage practices in 1570?
Families often only allowed one brother to marry, leaving the others to engage in licentious (promiscuous, unprincipled) behaviour
What was a courtesan?
A woman who had relationships with rich, older men for money
What exaggerated number of courtesans did Sanudo claim Venice had?
Over 11,000 courtesans, even though the city’s population was only around 150,000
How did Fynes Moryson describe Venetian women to have dressed in the 16th century?
As wearing gowns with open necklines and breasts made to appear fuller with linens, symbolising beauty and artifice
What did Pietro Casola note about Venetian womens appearances in 1494?
They displayed their chests and shoulders, wore splendid clothing and painted their faces to appear more beautiful
How did Richard Lassels describe young travellers going to Venice?
As drawn there for the courtesans, often returning hope with diseases like syphilis1
What was Lorenzo Venier’s ‘Tariff of the Whores of Venice’?
A dialogue poem listing over 50 women, acting as a catalogue of Venetian courtesans
How was Venice described by Charles Baldwyn with regard to its courtesans and prostitutes?
He called it the “brothel house of Europe” due to its reputation for libertine behaviour
How did Montesquieu describe Venetian liberty in 1748?
As a “scandalous liberty” involving open association with prostitutes, marrying them, and freedom from religious obligations
How did Venice use art and literature to shape its image?
By celebrating its cultural and sensual sophistication through works like Titian’s ‘Venus of Urbino’
What was the role of Venetian carnivals?
They showcased the city’s indulgence, luxury, sensuality and freedom, as depicted in works like Pietro Longhi’s ‘The Gambling House’
How was Venice viewed by European travellers like Maximilian Misson?
As an “enchanted city” of masks, entertainment and pretence, offering both allure and moral decay
How was the Venetian government structured by the 13th Century?
The Great Council, Senate, Doge and Council of Forty
What event led to the creation of the Council of Ten?
The 1310 conspiracy of Marco Querini and Bajamonte Tiepolo against Doge Pietro Gradenigo
What was the role of the Council of Ten?
It acted as a powerful body overseeing state security and suppressing conspiracies
What happened to Doge Marino Faliero in 1355?
He was executed after plotting to seize power with the support of commoners
What strategic losses did Venice face in the 15th century?
The loss of Constantinople in 1453, Negroponte in 1470 and mainland territories to the Ottomans
What was Venice’s role in the Battle of Lepanto (1571)?
Venice participated in a Holy League alliance, defeating the Ottoman fleet but losing Cyprus
What industries were central to Venice’s economy?
Shipbuilding at the Arsenal, textiles (wool and silk), glass on Murano and trade in spices and luxury goods
How did Venice’s population change between 1200 and 1640?
It grew from 80,000 in 1200 to a peak of 190,000 in 1570, before declining due to plagues
What caused Venice’s economic decline in the 17th and 18th centuries?
Competition from free ports like Livorno and Trieste and a shift in trade routes bypassing Venice
How did Venetian nobility’s priorities shift over time?
They moved from mercantile activities to investing in land and public debt, building patrician villas
What were the three divisions of Venetian nobility in the 16th-18th centuries?
Wealthy elite families, a middling group in judicial roles, and impoverished ‘barnabotti’ nobles
What conflict defined the political divisions of the 1580-1630 period?
The “young” nobles favoured aggressive foreign policies, while the “old” nobles promoted neutrality and tradition
What was the outcome of the War of Morea (1684-1699)?
Venice temporarily gained the Peloponnese (southern Greek island) but struggled to maintain control in later conflicts
How did Venice transition economically in the 18th century?
It became a regional centre of agriculture and manufacturing, focusing on silk and rice production
What role did tourism play in Venice’s 18th century economy?
Tourism, including carnival, operas and gambling, attracted nearly 50,000 visitors annually by 1700
Who were notable figures in Venice’s cultural history during its “decline”?
Sculptor Antonio Canova, composer Antonio Vivaldi and playwright Carlo Goldoni
What criticisms did anti-myth texts of the 17th century make about Venice?
They highlighted judicial abuses, oligarchic corruption, and immorality, as seen in works by Amelot and Limojon
What did Montesquieu argue about Venice’s government in ‘The Spirit of the Laws’?
He criticised its lack of separation of powers and described the state inquisitors as tyrannical enforcers
