Watch A History of Venice. Lecture 2 of 3. La Serenissima: Venice Rules the Seas

A History of Venice is a three-part lecture series featuring Dr. William J. Neidinger, exploring the origins and legacy of the city of Venice. The second installment, La Serenissima: Venice Rules the Seas, focuses on the city's rise to power as a maritime empire. The lecture begins with a brief recap of Venice's founding and establishment as a republic, before delving into the city's strategic location at the intersection of East and West. Dr. Neidinger traces Venice's early expansion through trade and diplomacy, highlighting the city's astute navigation of the shifting political landscape of the Mediterranean and beyond.

As Venice's influence grew, so too did its ambitions. Dr. Neidinger outlines the city's expansion into the eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the conquest of Constantinople in 1204, which brought vast wealth and power to the Venetian Republic. The lecture also explores the unique political and social structures that allowed Venice to maintain its autonomy, including the role of the doge and the system of checks and balances that kept the city's various factions in check.

Throughout the lecture, Dr. Neidinger emphasizes the importance of Venice's seafaring prowess to its success as a city-state. He delves into the technological innovations that allowed Venetian ships to dominate the Mediterranean, as well as the naval battles and piracy that were an inevitable part of the city's maritime dominance.

The lecture concludes with a discussion of Venice's decline, including the factors that led to the city's gradual loss of power and influence in the 17th and 18th centuries. Dr. Neidinger analyzes the various challenges faced by Venice, including the rise of competing powers and the changing nature of trade and commerce.

Throughout A History of Venice, Dr. Neidinger combines his deep knowledge of Venetian history with engaging storytelling and a clear passion for his subject matter. La Serenissima: Venice Rules the Seas is a fascinating exploration of a city and a culture that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world centuries after its heyday.

A History of Venice. Lecture 2 of 3. La Serenissima: Venice Rules the Seas is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.