Republic of Venice

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The Republic of Venice, also known as La Serenissima or the Serene Republic, was a city-state in northern Italy, comprising the areas around Venice and many overseas possessions.

History

In 1683, the Republic participated in the Great Turkish War against the Ottoman Empire with the Holy League organized by the Pope Innocent XI. The Venetians laid siege to Athens, which caused much destruction to the Parthenon.

Composition

Doge of Venice

The Doge of Venice was the most respected elder of the Venetian nobility and served as the head of state, and chief magistrate of the Serene Republic. During the Renaissance, four Doges were known to have played a part in the Assassins and Templars' struggle for control of the city:

• Giovanni Mocenigo (ruled from 1478 – 1485), poisoned by Carlo Grimaldi.
• Marco Barbarigo (1485 – 1486), assassinated by Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
• Agostino Barbarigo (1486 – 1501), poisoned by Tessa Varzi and Francesco Vecellio.
• Leonardo Loredan (1436 – 1521).

The Doge's residence is located in the Palazzo Ducale.

The Council of Ten

The Council of Ten, or simply the Ten, was one of the major governing bodies of the Republic of Venice from 1310 to 1797. Although its actions were often secretive, it was generally considered to be fair and effective in its governance of Venice by the citizens of the Republic.

• During the Renaissance, Carlo Grimaldi was a member of the Council of Ten until his death in 1485.

State Inquisitor

The Supreme Tribunal of the Three State Inquisitors was established to guard the security of the Republic. By means of espionage, counterespionage, internal surveillance, and a network of informers, they ensured that Venice did not come under the rule of a single "signore". One of the inquisitors - known as Il Rosso ("the red one") because of his scarlet attire - was chosen from the Doge's councilors, and two – known as Il Negri ("the black ones") because of their black attire – were chosen from the Council of Ten.

• During the Renaissance, Silvio Barbarigo was the "red" State Inquisitor, and therefore a member of the Doge's councilors.

Signoria

As in Florence, Venice had a Signoria. This was comprised of the Doge, his councilors and advisors (the Minor Council), and the leaders of the Quarantine.

Quarantine

The Quarantine operated as a supreme court for criminal and civil justice.

Collegio

An executive branch of the government, the Collegio functioned like a cabinet.

Major Council

The main governing body, also known as the Great Council, similar to a parliament, the Major Council was responsible for appointing the Doge. Membership was a hereditary right.

• After Agostino Barbarigo's death, the Inquisitors of the Great Council charged Agostino with receiving bottles of wine as gifts and then reselling them tax free "beneath the staircase of the prisons" .

Pregadi

The Pregadi was a senate elected by the Major Council in charge of day-to-day legislation.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Lineage (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed II
• Assassin's Creed II: Discovery
• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy
• Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood of Venice
• Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR