La REPÚBLICA de VENECIA y de GÉNOVA 🏛 Historia de ITALIA EDAD MODERNA 5 🏛 Historia de Venecia

History of Venice and the Ottoman Wars

The Context of Venetian Power (1400-1600)

• The narrative begins in the period between 1457 and 1600, focusing on Italy's history during the modern age, particularly Venice's role amidst the Italian Renaissance.

• By mid-15th century, Venice was at its peak, controlling regions like Veneto and parts of Lombardy, as well as territories in Dalmatia and the Aegean Sea.

The Rise of Ottoman Threat

• Following the fall of Byzantium to the Ottomans in 1453, tensions grew as Venice lost its buffer state against Turkish expansion.

• Initial relations were cooperative; however, conflicts arose when Ottoman ambitions began encroaching on Venetian interests.

The First Turkish-Venetian War (1463-1479)

• The war ignited over a dispute involving an escaped Albanian slave. Despite doubts about this claim's accuracy, it marked a significant conflict.

• Key battles occurred in Morea and Egeo; despite initial resistance from Venetians led by Skanderbeg, they gradually lost ground to Ottoman forces.

Outcomes of Conflict

• After years of warfare and suffering from malaria epidemics among their ranks, Venetians surrendered in 1479 under the Treaty of Constantinople.

• As a result, Ottomans gained control over Morea and Albania while Venice retained Cyprus after Queen Catherine ceded her rights in 1489.

Expansion Attempts Post-War

• In peace with Ottomans by 1482, Venice allied with Pope Sixtus IV to conquer Ferrara during the Salt War (Guerra de Cerrara).

• This conflict stemmed from competition over salt trade; despite victories for papal forces initially, negotiations led to territorial gains for Venice.

Cultural Developments During Venetian Dominance

• Under Doge Giovanni Mocenigo’s rule (died poisoned), significant architectural advancements occurred including construction projects like Torre del Oro.

• Artists such as Giovanni Bellini emerged during this time as Renaissance art flourished within Venetian society.

Second Turkish-Venetian War (1499)

• Initiated by Sultan Bayezid II’s aggressive campaign against Venice; notable naval battles ensued where cannons played a crucial role.

Venice's Struggles and Wars in the 16th Century

The Decline of Venetian Power

• Venice signed an armistice in 1502, losing significant territories except for Ithaca and Cephalonia, marking a decline in its power during years of war.

• Competition arose from other Italian states, threatening Venice's wealth derived from silk, brocade, jewelry, and quality glass production.

• The League of Cambrai was formed in 1508 by neighboring states including France and Spain to combat Venice, leading to the War of the League of Cambrai.

Key Conflicts and Outcomes

• Despite initial setbacks, Venice under Leonardo Loredan eventually won the war but suffered heavy losses and could not expand further.

• The Portuguese gained control over the Indian Ocean after defeating Ottoman forces at the Battle of Diu in 1509, disrupting Venetian spice trade routes.

• In 1516, a large influx of Jewish immigrants led to their segregation into a ghetto (Borghetto), which later influenced the term "ghetto" used today.

Continued Warfare and Territorial Losses

• Spain consolidated control over Naples and Milan while Venice attempted neutrality under Doge Andrea Gritti’s leadership.

• The Third Turkish-Venetian War (1537–1540) began when Francis I allied with Sultan Suleiman against Charles V; this resulted in significant territorial losses for Venice.

• A decisive defeat at Preveza saw Turkish forces overpowering Venetian-Spanish fleets; Pope Paul III condemned French alliances with Ottomans.

Population Decline and Military Challenges

• Continuous warfare led to a population decrease in Venice; they struggled to man their naval fleet due to lack of local rowers.

• To address manpower shortages during conflicts like the Fourth Turkish-Venetian War (1570–1573), Venice instituted mandatory military service.

The Battle of Lepanto

• The conflict escalated as Selim II invaded Cyprus; Nicosia fell quickly followed by Famagusta where many inhabitants were massacred or enslaved.

• The Holy League formed among Christian states including Spain and Genoa aimed to counter Ottoman advances culminating in the famous Battle of Lepanto (1571).

Aftermath and Legacy

• Victory at Lepanto temporarily bolstered Christian dominance in Western Mediterranean but did not prevent future Ottoman resurgence.

History of Genoa and Andrea Doria

The Renaissance and Baroque Influence

• The design of the Rialto in stone by Antonio de Aponte is noted, with its current form established in 1577.

• Andrea Palladio constructed the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca Island, Venice, during this period.

• Venetian painter Titian died around this time, elevating Tintoretto as a prominent Mannerist artist whose work connected to Baroque styles.

The Rise of Andrea Doria

• Andrea Doria was a significant admiral for the Genoese fleet from 1512, initially fighting against French invaders who occupied Genoa.

• After various political shifts, including an alliance with Emperor Charles V in 1528, Genoa became a key financial lender for Spain, enriching the republic significantly.

Political Reforms Under Doria

• In 1527, King Francis I of France briefly regained control over Genoa but was expelled by Doria the following year.

• Although offered the title of Duke by Genoese citizens, Doria declined and accepted other prestigious titles from Charles V while continuing to combat Ottoman forces.

Institutional Changes in Genoa

• Following independence from foreign powers, Doria implemented reforms establishing a Grand Council composed of influential citizens to elect the Doge through lotteries and votes.

• The Doge's term was limited to two years; additional councils were created for administration and justice oversight.

Legacy and Decline

• In 1591, architect Andrea Sola was commissioned to build a new Ducal Palace for government institutions; however, it later suffered destruction by fire.

• Despite facing challenges like failed coup attempts against him and losing Chios Island to Ottomans in 1566, Doria's reforms stabilized Genoa until his death in 1560.