Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
828
According to legend, the corpse of St Mark the Evangelist is smuggled from Alexandria (Egypt) to
Venice in a shipment of pork. St Mark is adopted as the patron saint of Venice.
957
Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great recognises key trading rights for Venice, cutting the Eastern
Byzantine Christian empire out of Venice's increasingly lucrative deals.
1094
Basilica di San Marco is consecrated. The doge's spectacular Chiesa d'Oro (Church of Gold) stands
for the glory of Venice, St Mark and a brain trust of Mediterranean artisans.
1167
About 200,000 Venetians occupy their own quarter in Constantinople, subject to their own laws, and
make a nuisance of themselves.
1171
After attacking Genoese in Constantinople and pointing the inger at Venice, Byzantium orders the
arrest of all Venetians. A noticeable chill sets in over the Adriatic.
1172
Venice establishes an elected Maggior Consiglio (Great Council). Though citizenry makes up 80% of
the population, nobles are elected councillors.
1203-04
Doge Dandolo promises to transport Frankish crusaders to the Holy Land but heads to Con-
stantinople; his forces massacre and pillage, then return to Venice with booty.
1271
Traders Nicolò and Matteo Polo set sail for Xanadu, the court of Kublai Khan, with Nicolò's 20-year-
old son, Marco. The Polos make a fortune in the jewellery business in Asia.
1297
Venice ends constitutional monarchy, allowing only those from noble families to participate in the
Assembly - until it runs low on funds, and allows merchants to buy noble titles.
