Venice

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

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.

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.

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.