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'''Venice''' is a city currently in [[Italy]], but for many years the centre of a [[Republic]] and [[Empire]].

The city of '''Venice''' is a major cultural center in northeastern [[Italy]], For many centuries is was an independent country and a naval powerhouse.  It was a major center of learning during the [[Renaissance]]. People from Venice are called Venetians. 

It was founded after the fall of the [[Roman Empire]] by Italian citizens seeking refuge from the invading [[Goths]] in the numerous small islands of the [[Venetian Lagoon]].

It was founded after the fall of the [[Roman Empire]] by Italian citizens seeking refuge from the invading [[barbarian]]s in the numerous small islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

The elaborate system of canals developed to navigate the islands became justly famous, as did the spectacular architecture created as Venice increased in wealth and importance.

The elaborate system of canals developed to navigate the islands became justly famous, as did the spectacular architecture created as Venice increased in wealth and importance.

At its peak, the Venetian empire included many Aegean islands, including [[Crete]] and [[Cyprus]], and stretches of the Croatian coastline.  

At its peak, the Venetian empire included many Aegean islands, including [[Crete]] and [[Cyprus]], and stretches of the [[Croatia]]n coastline.  

Notable episodes in its history include the [[Fourth Crusade]] of 1204, when the blind octagenarian [[doge]] [[Enrico Dandolo]] led the sack of [[Consantinople]], and the [[Battle of Lepanto]] of 1571, when a Venetian-led fleet gave the [[Ottoman Empire]] its first major naval defeat.

Notable episodes in its history include the [[Fourth Crusade]] of 1204, when the blind octagenarian doge Enrico Dandolo led the sack of [[Constantinople]], and the [[Battle of Lepanto]] of 1571, when a Venetian-led fleet gave the [[Ottoman Empire]] its first major naval defeat and marked the end of [[Islam]]ic expansion into [[Christian]] Europe.

[[Category:Italian Cities]]

 

 

 

 

[[Category:Italian Cities and Towns]]

[[Category:Urban History]]