The Beginnings of Venice

Venice was built on 118 islands in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon at the head of the Adriatic Sea in Northern Italy.  It was in the 5^th century that these Venetians began to take refuge in the muddy flats to escape the barbarians who descended from the north and took advantage of the failing Roman Empire.  The first homes here were huts.  The first buildings were churches.  The islands were lined with tree trunks and inserted vertically into the ground for stability in the mud.  Over the tree trunks they put white stone which was not corrosive to salt from the water.  Eventually, the tree trunk “pilings” petrified and became stone. Thus, the strong foundation under what looks like floating buildings!

Venice was made up of sailors familiar with trade that made them wealthy.  By 1212 AD the cities of Baghdad, Cairo, and Constantinople were trading with Venice.  The main industries were shipping, glass making, and book making.

Then, there were the doges!  These men were elected to run the government here for centuries.  The Palazzo Ducale was very impressive when I toured it years ago.  Turns out it will be one of our field trips. 

Most of the history of Venice classes will be walking tours.  Our American professor, Monica, who is married to a Venetian and who lives with him in Switzerland, has two grown daughters and has a great knack for storytelling.  I have attended both her classes this week which were lectures and slides.