alternatehistory.com

Given a POD of 600 BC or later, how could the Venetian lagoon become the center of a Mediterranean-spanning empire?

Assuming an early enough point of departure, how would the city of Rome (or an equivalent city/empire) be different if it had been built on the site of Mestre and Venice? Lets assume the main city is built in Metre along the shoreline and later expands out into the lagoon.

What advantages would this location offer for its capital?

Disadvantages:

-The city is now closer to the 'barbarians' of eastern Europe and could be attacked more often, requiring more economic resources for defense.
- The city is much more closed off to the western Mediterranean. More so than OTL Rome is cut off from the eastern Mediterranean.
- Much less central location in Italy.
-No major river flowing through the city center.
-Less ease of access to prime farmland.
-If the city expands out to where Venice is today, the islands could sink earlier in the cities history.

Advantages:

-Much better ocean access.
-Potential for major canal system integrated with the lagoon.
-Parts of the city would be much easier to defend if built right up against the lagoon or in the lagoon.
-Visigoths can't swim (a little known fact).

Thanks to Herzen's love-child for helping me phrase this question better.
Top