Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Not content with conquering the known world with its naval fleets, Venice dispatched
intrepid explorers like Marco Polo to expand its trade horizons. When its maritime
empire passed its high-water mark, Venice refused to concede defeat on the world
stage. Instead the city itself became a stage, attracting global audiences with its vivid
painting, baroque music, modern opera, independent thinkers, and parties without
parallel. In its audacious 1000-year history, Venice has not only risen above sea level,
but repeatedly risen to the occasion.
John Julius Norwich's
History of Venice
(1981) is an engrossing, epic account of the city's maritime empire, if
a bit long on naval battles and short on recent history.
