La Serenissima: Venice, Dawn of a New Power
Intro:
1492: While historically in a continuous state of quarrelling, the fiercely independent city-states of Italy have experienced nearly 40 years of relative tranquility. After the peace of Lodi in 1454, it was the realization that none of the major Italian states was capable of hegemony over any region of the peninsula, let alone the peninsula as a whole. This led to an easing of relations between the states, and a mutual suspicion and fear of France. Thanks to this peace, the economies of the Italian states have recovered soundly from the horrors of the Black Death, and the first embassies amongst the states have been established. Despite the benefits of this league, many believe its downfall has begun with the recent death of Lorenzo de’ Medici. The ruler of the Florentines was surely one of the leagues’ greatest supporters, and prime maintainer. The decay of the Italic League can only mean that the states of Italy will soon be at each other’s throats once again. It is just a matter of which will be the first to act.
The State of Venice: The Serenissima Repubblica has become incredibly rich as an economic and trading power. The guilds in Venice produce superior silks, brocades, goldsmith jewelry and articles, armor and glass in the form of beads and eyeglasses. The city itself is likely the richest city in the world, and the second most populated after Paris with 180,000 inhabitants. The republic hosts a total population of over 2.1 million. Currently Venice’s concern lies with the delicate situation in Italy, and the increasing Ottoman poaching of its foreign possessions.
Intro:
1492: While historically in a continuous state of quarrelling, the fiercely independent city-states of Italy have experienced nearly 40 years of relative tranquility. After the peace of Lodi in 1454, it was the realization that none of the major Italian states was capable of hegemony over any region of the peninsula, let alone the peninsula as a whole. This led to an easing of relations between the states, and a mutual suspicion and fear of France. Thanks to this peace, the economies of the Italian states have recovered soundly from the horrors of the Black Death, and the first embassies amongst the states have been established. Despite the benefits of this league, many believe its downfall has begun with the recent death of Lorenzo de’ Medici. The ruler of the Florentines was surely one of the leagues’ greatest supporters, and prime maintainer. The decay of the Italic League can only mean that the states of Italy will soon be at each other’s throats once again. It is just a matter of which will be the first to act.
The State of Venice: The Serenissima Repubblica has become incredibly rich as an economic and trading power. The guilds in Venice produce superior silks, brocades, goldsmith jewelry and articles, armor and glass in the form of beads and eyeglasses. The city itself is likely the richest city in the world, and the second most populated after Paris with 180,000 inhabitants. The republic hosts a total population of over 2.1 million. Currently Venice’s concern lies with the delicate situation in Italy, and the increasing Ottoman poaching of its foreign possessions.
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