| Description: | The aim of the course is to explore the history of Venice from the rise of Mediterranean civilization until the end of the 19th century. The history of the "Most Serene" Republic will be placed into the context of general European and Mediterranean history. At the same time Venice's links with the Byzantine Empire will be fully explored. Therefore, one of the key topics of the course will be the external relations of the old continent with other civilizations, mainly with the east and the eastern Roman Empire, but also with the west, after the discovery of America. The Barbaric invasions, the Crusades and the geographical discoveries and new forms of European colonialism will be analyzed and explained. Particular attention will be given to the repercussions that the wars between Venice, the Turks and the other Italian states had in the extension or reduction of Venetian territory. During the lessons a specific emphasis will be given to the most important historical personalities that had great part in the history of Venice. The chronological sequence of the events and the spatial dimension of Venetian and European history will be a crucial aspect of the course and students will develop a clear perception of them. |