Class 1 - VENICE: La Serenissima

     So let's begin. In the fifth century, when the Roman Empire was in decline, the inhabitants of the region of Veneto in Italy fled from the invading Germanic barbarians. But where could they go? Many chose to take their chances in the brackish salt marshes that lay just offshore. It wasn't a very promising environment. This video below will give you an idea of how they were able to build their homes in the oozing muck of the islands:

     Now that you know about the wooden pilings, click on the image below to learn more about how those resourceful Venetians dealt with such issues as house construction, freshwater collection, and sewage disposal in their marshy venue. (You can skip through the ad in the middle.)

     St. Mark's Basilica was originally built to house the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, which were stolen from Alexandria, Egypt in 828 AD. The present structure is the third church, begun probably in 1063 to express Venice's growing civic consciousness and pride. Like the two earlier churches, its model was the sixth-century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.  Below, Rick Steves provides a short introduction to the church:

     The Venetian Arsenal was built in the late 12th century to construct merchant and fighting vessels. It developed into a large complex of shipyards and armories and became the largest production center of the pre-industrial era. Nowadays, the Arsenal is often the setting for special productions and art exhibits, such as those of the famous Biennale. Watch the video below up to about 6 minutes - the last part is a detailed description of the Battle of Lepanto, which is optional viewing. 

     The Ducal Palace (the residence of the Doge) was built in the 14th century in the Venetian Gothic style. It is one of the major landmarks of modern Venice. Learn more about it:

      Venice became involved in the Fourth Crusade in the 12th century. It would become a turning point for the city's economic and political history. Click on the image below, which shows the Venetian fleet landing outside Constantinople. The video you will see contains some remarkable imagery of medieval and Renaissance Venice.  

      Vittore Carpaccio is known for his highly detailed narrative paintings. Many of his works provide a window into the architecture and daily life of Venice in the 14th and early 15th centuries, as you will see in class. Click on the image below to learn about a recent exhibit of some of his works at the National Gallery. 

    Click on the image below to learn about the restoration of one of Carpaccio's paintings:

    Giovanni Gabrieli was a Venetian composer who specialized in sacred vocal and instrumental music which was performed at Saint Mark's Cathedral to enthralled audiences. His music marks a transition between the Renaissance and Baroque forms. Below is an example of his instrumental compositions. Try to envision sitting in majestic St. Mark's listening to this beautiful music when Venice was at the height of it's power.