The Dance Of The Lion And The Serpent: A Renaissance Milan-Venice TL. Updated 24-04-2017

Chapter 1: Part 1 The Factions of Milan
Chapter 1: Part 1
The Factions of Milan


"If there was one thing the degenerate city-states had in common it was communal infighting."
Sigismund of Luxemburg, King of Hungary 1392


Named the devil's wedding for the groom's beastly tendencies the Venetian-Milanese alliance was sealed on the day of the first full summer moon in the pavilion at Certosa di Pavia (the Visconti family's monastery). Chosen by Gian Maria Visconti out of sentimentally the wedding's open-air location was a compromise with the church which wanted it in a cathedral under its domain. For even in decline and heavily in debt the church still owned half of all land in the Po and was a force to be reckoned with in land and influence.[1]

Respecting the importance of ceremony and ducats the wedding was opulent, extravagant, and ever so expensive for the bride's family just as tradition dictated. As the sole surviving heiress of the Psiani family Anzola is granted the special privilege of being born a Patrician but she is also uniquely poor among the Patricians. Nonetheless she has the backing of the doge and several rich families and money is not a concern.

Starting from the Visconti castle the wedding procession made the short journey to Certosa di Pavia through the family hunting grounds. Organized with respect to importance the wedding procession started with the bride and groom followed by their personal entourage, the duke's privy council, the Venetians, the nobles, the guild masters, and finally trailing with the servants.

Tall, young, and handsome the young duke was a sight to behold dressed in regal burgundy. Gifted with wispy curls and a dashing smile the duke resembled a knight in shining armor that escaped from a child's fairy-tale. His subjects however have learned to dread the smile that forecasted wanton violence and sadism.

In contrast to the groom the bride was slim, delicate, with long black hair that shined like silk. Hidden beneath a bridal veil a pair of brilliant hazel eyes looked on with an unmatched intensity on an otherwise plain face. Dressed in the finest silk and adorned with priceless gems the bride's dress alone was worth a year's income in taxes from Milan.

Notably absent was any representative of the bankers, merchants, 6 major noble families, 4 guilds, the exiles, and the popolo (poor masses) - not that most of them were given invitations anyways. Even with his father's best efforts to build a coalition Milan still retains deep fissures within the commune and so the effort continues to this day.[2]

The surprise of the day was how long the young duke was able to go without incident. But one cannot help their own nature and the duke was soon involved in another scandal. Upon overhearing a snide comment from a noble named Mansisi Gazzada ordered the offending noble to be tarred, feathered, and forced to hop about like a rabbit in-front of the guests. Whenever the Gazzada noble's hopping slackened the duke would encourage him by giving his hounds more leash. It took a considerable effort of persuasion by the duke's closest aides to put a stop to the shameful spectacle.[3]

Finally vows were exchanged, the duke offered his loyalty, protection, and support while the heiress Anzola Pisani offered her loyalty, support, and body. Rings were exchanged and placed on the 4th finger, the finger from which blood flowed directly to the heart according to tradition. The groom untied the bride's bracelet, unveiled her face, and they proceeded to his chambers to consummate the marriage, the last step required according to church doctrine.[4]

With the departure of the bride and groom the celebrations truly began aided by the absence of a violent child-tyrant. Wine flowed and the guests danced to the lyrical beat of the night. There was a faint sense of desperation in the air as the Milanese celebrated ever harder to suppress their fears of the chaos unfolding in the duchy. Similarly most of the Venetian guests gave half-hearted blessings to the union and gave impersonal speeches such as "The Doge thinks this is a great idea".

At the crack of dawn, when a pair of keen eared servants had verified the consummation of the marriage the marriage contract is finalized the details of which are as written: [5]

Venice shall provide payments of 200,000 ducats in dowry payments for ten years, Milan is given the right to invest in lucrative Venetian bonds, and the Republic will provide naval and logistical assistance against Florence, Lucca, and the rebellious cities of Bologna, Parma, Cermona, Lucca among other city-states.

In-exchange the Venetian Republic is given half the tax-farming contracts (right to collect taxes), the right to veto tariffs, the right to establish mercantile communities, freedom of Venetian revivalists to preach, and the right to organize guilds in the regions of Bresica, Cermona, and Verona while the city of Padua is handed over to the Republic. In addition the Republic is given permission to trade throughout the duchy provided that they pay the tolls and taxes

In addition, both Milan and Venice are to discuss any designs between the Tyrrhenian Sea, Adriatic sea, and the Alps. Both parties are to come to each other's defense in case of revolt and invasion.

While the addition of 200K ducats is a god-send for the cash-strapped duchy and a doubling of its annual budget it is only a shadow of Milan's average annual income of 800K ducats. Still the amount was enough to buy 22,000 condottieri a year and to retake the initiative against rebellious and enemy city-states, provided that the bureaucracy and spies stay neglected. To the privy council the price of Venetian assistance was negligible as the loss of Padua is a distant concern and income from the regions of Bresica, Cermona, and Verona are non-existant due to chaos and revolt. In the end the powerful men of Milan know that once they regain their duchy, they could then renegotiate with Venice from a position of strength.[6]

By noon there was still much to do and many small details left to finalize, but the Patricians of Venice and the counsellors of Milan had reached an agreement. The young duke was adamant that they retake his duchy and he finally had the funds to do so. The first step of reclaiming his father's legacy is to retake the rebellious cities on the Po Valley and establish a passage between Venice and Milan. But it appears that Florence had made the first move.

The banners of Florence, Lucca, Perugia, and Bologna are on the march north. The main Florentine-Perugian force, led by the condottiero Muzio Attendolo Sforza is making headway towards the rebellious city of Cremona. Determined to assert its independence the city has refused to submit to neither Florence nor Milan. If the city is lost then the Po River would be effective cut in half and the Milanese-Venetian alliance would be stillborn. [7]

To arms!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


*I'm currently in a country where I cannot access my sources & this will be remedied in a month.

[1] Certosa di Pavia was at the time the largest monetary in Europe and boasted a massive collection taken from lands conquered by The Great Serpent. Constructed beside the Visconti family hunting grounds the young duke found it convenient to access and satisfying to annoy the clergy.

[2]IOTL the numerous city-states of Italy never realized that they needed a wide base of support, even the republics enfranchised a few thousand out of tens and hundreds of thousands at best. While there is little need to include the popolo (poor masses) in governance they do represent a liability for revolt. The degree of factionalism among the middle & upper class and the reasons for it will be elaborated on later.

[3]Gazzada is an alpine community North-West of Milan. The character is ITTL.

[4]A mishmash of the wedding rituals of Christendom and Lombards of the time.

[5]Its weird, but that's how marriage contracts were verified at the time. You have to seal the deal and when entire duchies are on the line someone has to verify. Italian marriages at the time consists of three parts: the gathering of families to discuss the betrothal and marriage contract, the wedding, and consummation of the wedding.

[6]A major advantage of Venice at the time was how liquid its wealth was due to the trade-focus of the city, that is to say easily converted to money. In contrast cities like Milan own a lot of wealth, but it is hard to convert things like farming estates to cash in a hurry. Also the numbers are an average of the century, I don't have specific years but Milan averaged around 800K ducats a year but not in the current chaos where trade is disrupted and the country side ravaged by war. Venice in contrast averaged around 1Mil-1.2 Mil ducats a year for the century and in addition Venice also has great reserves of private wealth most of which are not accessible by the government but with an early TL things are a bit different. Also the 22,000 soldiers number was extrapolated from the fee the condottiero of Mantua charged; 70,000 ducats for 10,000 soldiers a year in peace or war.

[7]Muzio Attendolo Sforza was an Italian condottiero. IOTL he was the founder of the Sforza dynasty, he was a capable commander and he took good care of his men.
 
Last edited:
Once again, Italy during this era is not my particular area of expertise. However, I'm really enjoying this timeline so far - its informative and very well written (I wish I could write my narrative sections this well!). Great job!
 
As
Once again, Italy during this era is not my particular area of expertise. However, I'm really enjoying this timeline so far - its informative and very well written (I wish I could write my narrative sections this well!). Great job!

It comes through practice, just keep writing and be self-critical.
 
Looks good so far, though subduing Florence will be a pain. Long term I'd actually prioritize Lombardy and the Romagna- keeping Bologna, Ferrara (the headwaters of the Po), Genoa etc. and preventing Switzerland, Venice, the Pope etc. etc. to take advantage of the chaos will be sufficient, and if this surviving duchy then merges with the Anjou (Provence and the Two Sicilies, maybe even Hungary given the Neapolitan/Angevin claims if the Luxemburg go extinct as OTL) then that could provide a powerful base for an ATL Habsburg dynasty based out of Lombardy to usurp the Holy Roman Crown and thus by implication the Italian kingdom.
 
Looks good so far, though subduing Florence will be a pain. Long term I'd actually prioritize Lombardy and the Romagna- keeping Bologna, Ferrara (the headwaters of the Po), Genoa etc. and preventing Switzerland, Venice, the Pope etc. etc. to take advantage of the chaos will be sufficient, and if this surviving duchy then merges with the Anjou (Provence and the Two Sicilies, maybe even Hungary given the Neapolitan/Angevin claims if the Luxemburg go extinct as OTL) then that could provide a powerful base for an ATL Habsburg dynasty based out of Lombardy to usurp the Holy Roman Crown and thus by implication the Italian kingdom.

I have to disagree with you on Florence: while at this point outright conquest (possible with a longer living Gian Galeazzo) seems impossible, once Milan puts its house in order Florence can be decisively defeated with Venetian financial support and the Republic territory can be drastically reduced, "liberating" some of the smaller comuni that had been absorbed earlier by Florence and giving other territory to Tuscan allies, especially Siena. In this way Florence will find it very difficult to raise again, since it will be surrounded by a belt of minors which owe their independence or power to Milan. Florence can be contained and reduced to only a minor player in Italy, while the Milanese state should annex the Lunigiana, Lucca and Pisa - which had been Visconti controlled not many years before.

A union with the Anjou crowns seems counterproductive to me at this point, as it would open a lot of contradictory fronts all over the Mediterranean and because Milan would probably not be the seat of power in such a dinastic union.
The traditional Hungarian drive towards Dalmatia would also very likely create frictions with Venice.
 
Chapter 1. Part 2 The Wedding Procession
Chapter 1. Part 2 Flavor Text
The Wedding Procession



Nestled in shade of her palanquin, and carried by her servants Micola di Bombello was the picturesque lady of a Milanese noble. With dark tawny eyes and a pout that could melt ice Micola liked to think that even if she would turn heads even if she wasn't the daughter of the banker Pietro di Bombello. Dressed in jewelled Callicos and sporting a waterfall of flowing brunette curls it was obvious to all that she was very rich, if not very important.[1]

Observing the wedding procession from her palanquin the lady Micola di Bombello furrowed her brows in frustration. While it is imperative that any lady of status is knowledgeable about important personages of state the Venetians have presented an enigma to her and all of her servants. Normally aloof and disinterested the Venetians are seldom seen except as merchants, lawyers, or the occasional signore (overlords) invited by disunited cities for their impartialness. [2]

Why then are the tight pursed Venetians so willing to pour money into something as risky as another war on the mainland? The Venetians even went as far as to tie their fate to that of Milan? What do they want?

Entertaining these questions without answers her frustration collected until she was finally forced to admit to herself that she lacked the knowledge needed for a proper deduction. Exasperated, she dismisses her entourage to nurse the beginnings of a migraine in solitude.

As the procession passed under the sweltering sun Micola called her servants for wine only to realized that she had dispersed them all. Parched, she spots a lanky dark-haired man in a rough leather jerkin watching the procession. Confident that his master would allow the loan of a servant for a Bombello Micola announced her name and titles to the stranger and commanded him to fetch her some wine.

Pretending to feign ignorance the man looked around quizzically before coming to realization that she meant him. Pausing for a few seconds and testing her patience further the man broke out into a smug smile and proceeded to serve her with the grace one could only find in high-society.

Just great, a dimwitted servant.

Stopping beside her seat, he addressed her with scandalous informality "Veronese vintage of '85, some of the best the Venetians have to offer. One of the few left in the world from Scalligeri collection the and among the finest." [3]

Momentarily speechless at the breach of decorum she quickly recovered and retorted with just a hint of malice "And what would you know of the Venetians?"

Ignoring her display of irritation the man proceeds to expound a quick summary of the various Venetian houses and ministers present at the procession and offered an exchange of information; his Venetian knowledge for her Milanese knowledge.

Curious, her displeasure quickly disappeared after she resolved to reprimand him to his master later and was replaced with a tantalizing curiosity.

First in the procession after the bride and groom came the counsellors and captains of the privy council; the immediate circle that the duke interacts with on a daily basis. These are the powerful men of state to whom obedience and flattery were the norm second only to the duke. Yet these powerful men are a varied lot with different priorities, from self-serving mercenaries like Facino Cane to royalist old guards like Francesco Barbavara. Their arrival is announced with, trumpets, ceremonial guards, and the showering of rose petals and coin. Dressed in a flurry of colour, gold, and silk the men strut about with the confidence of power and nobility.[4]

Noting each lord by name the man discovers that Micola has an encyclopedic knowledge of the various scandals and relations between the houses. It was clear that Micola held them in low-esteem addressing the lords as little more than impetuous children running about playing war and the ministers mere bookkeepers. Quietly, the man noted that she did not mention the Bombelli among the powerful men.[5]

Second came the Venetians, an odd procession dressed in the standard black silk of Patricians and red-velvet of the high-ranking clergy. Divided much like the cities of Terra Firma among lines of wealth, family, vendettas, faith, and age there is however an unique sense of equality and faith in the law among its members, there is a complete absence of the fratricidal infighting commonly found in the cities of Terra Firma (Italian mainland). Thrifty, communal, and paranoid the Patricans have changed much since the Great Calamity. Sworn to silence the mystery makes many justifiably nervous.[6]

"Hard to tell if they (the Patricians) are at a wedding or a funeral" Remarked the man chuckling.

"Wait, you mentioned faith. As in heresy?"



Pointing at the next procession the man announces their arrival "Here comes the nobles."

Third came the nobles. Despite the risk the invited nobles were given the right to bear arms for they owned a quarter of the land in Milan and constituted most of the native military power. Old and proud only the presence of the duke prevents them from satisfying ancient blood debts and other petty grievances. Much to their perceived insult was the honor given to the Venetians before them, most of whom they consider new blood lacking the refinement of nobility and all too eager to engage in commerce. Seeking glory, land, and pleasure the nobles have at their disposal immense amounts of wealth, might, and influence.[7]

"It used to be a hundred years ago that you could kill a peasant with just a fine, how things have changed…" Remarked Micola with an unreadable expression.[8]

Fourth came the guild masters, part labour organization and part militia the guild masters weld great influence over the industry of the duchy. Forbidden by law to wear the silk of nobility they have instead resorted to opulent and tasteless displays of gems and gold. Rich and influential they guard their privileges and trades jealously against competition both domestic and foreign. Ever aware of politics' effect on their wealth and security they seek to improve their monopolies on trade at the expense of the nobles, merchants, popolo, and rival guilds.

With earnest and somewhat condescending manner, like a school teacher lecturing the runt of the class Micola goes into detail about the guild masters. While formally without power guild masters are trusted in their references and influence which can make or break reputations and in the city-states that can mean exile and confiscation of all property when one finds themselves on the losing end of politics. Furthermore without the guild masters' approval one cannot legally practice their craft forcing them to either hide out in cottages in the countryside or take their chances with the criminals of the city. Continuing her lecture at length the man only interrupts to ask for clarification and to offer more wine.[9]

Finally the procession is trailed by marching columns of Venetian and Milanese soldiers. Meant as a display of strength and to discourage any stray thoughts these fully-armoured men march without compliant in the sweltering sun. Despite the chaos of war or perhaps because of it Milan boasts some of the finest smiths south of the Alps and its soldiers reflect that. Tall, powerful, and well drilled the Milanese guard were a sight to behold clad in massive bulk wards of steel marching to the strut of 800 boots in unison. [10]

Curious the man inquired: "Why are their armor sets so different from one and another?"

"Because it is the prerogative of each mercenary to arm himself, this ensures that the positions of command and honour are given to those with means from proper families."

"And Milan would grant honour guard titles to mercenaries?"

"Why of course! I for one would feared my family's ancient enemies more than greedy and disinterested mercenaries."[11]

In contrast to the forest of towering oaks that are the Milanese the Venetian column was generally shorter by half a head and varied in their height. Yet despite their heterogeneous makeup there is a sense of power and unity that radiates from 400 men clad in identical uniforms.

"A pitiful bunch" referring their the Venetian's rag-tag physiques. "Is this the best the Venetians have on display?"

"Quite true, but I assure you these are far from the best Venice has to offer." Pausing for a sip of wine the man continues "They are the Soldà di Màr(marines), recruited from the worst stock of men they are given a chance to serve a higher purpose than their mundane existences. They fight like lions, even if their stock suggests otherwise."[12

As the procession ended Micola's servants scampered back to her side, praying that her foul mood has dissipated. It had not, for the beginning of the wedding ceremony had only reminded Micola of the insulting lack of an invitation for her family. Remembering the time the dark-haired man sought to excuse himself only to be refused by Micola.

"Wait" She commanded "I recall that we agreed to an exchange. I gave information and motives and yet you have only reciprocated in information. Surely a gentleman would uphold his agreements."

Faced with the implicit challenge to his honour the man uncomfortably explains that he is unable to disclose such information bound by oath as he is but quickly extends an invitation to the wedding ceremony as a consolation.

"Ha! As a servant? Shall I wait at the beck and call of my inferiors as well?"

"Of course not my lady, you would be accorded a seat near the doge and duke."

"You are a Patrician?"

"I'm Francesco di Foscari, son of Doge Niccolò di Foscari. Now let us be off, I need to change out of this".






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​






[1]Callicos were at the time very high-quality textiles. Dyed in a process that took over 50 specialists Callicos did not fade over time, unlike most European textiles at the time. Needless to say Callicos were very expensive and very prestigious.

[2]IOTL this was the reputation and the extent of Venetian participation upon the mainland. This later changed IOTL around the start of the 15th century as ITTL, except on the side of the Viscontis as opposed to against.

[3]IOTL the Scalligeri were a family that once ruled the Northern shore of the Eastern Po Valley. They lost power at the hands of Gian Galeazzo Visconti in 1387 after decades of inept-rule and fratricide. Also the Veronese made great wine at the time.

[4]IOTL Gian Galeazzo Visconti created one of the earliest modern bureaucracies in Christendom where a privy council of powerful and/or talented men saw to the different aspects of state. They system was much more centralized than the common feudal kinships of the time allowing the duke to consolidate and direct the state to his means. The downside of such a centralized system is that incompetent or malicious dukes also had a lot more control to despoil the realm.

[5]Something to be elaborated on later but the modern concept of privacy did not exist in the clusterphobic confines of Italian cities at the time. Gossip gets around and in many cities it could damn a soul.

[6]Despite their reputation the Venetians were quite the dull book keepers outside of festivals. It wasn't until the decadence of the 18th century when the Venetians gave up the pretensions to power and the nobility was mired in terminal decline that the city became the playhouse of Europe. IOTL due to numerous factors marriages between Patricians became discouraged and massively expensive starting from the 15th century with many young Patricians denied marriage by family Patriarchs. Of course having a few thousand idle and rich bachelors around the city gave rise to a massive industry of distraction and this is when the reputation came from.

[7]The nobility of Milan was special in their numbers, unlike the other regions of Italy where a strong commercial class overwhelmed the nobility with numbers and wealth the nobility of Milan had managed to keep their numbers and wealth strong just like IOTL.

[8]Before the semi-democratic revolts of the middle-class around the 12th-13th century Italy was quite aristocratic, yet the infusion of wealth was enough to shift power towards merchants and the middle class. Yet as economic conditions waned the middle class was losing power and wealth by the 14th century, especially as the successful revolutionaries of the previous centuries soon styled themselves nobles and oppressed their former comrades.

[9]Just the same as the guilds and merchants of OTL Italy, something to be expanded on later in the economics of the time.

[10]Just as IOTL Milan ITTL is a hub of weapon and armor manufacturing.

[11]Mercenaries at the time were generally expected to arm themselves and of course there were exceptions for sure. The system had the advantage that it made armies a lot cheaper but it also meant that some of the more exceptional soldiers died before ever getting proper gear. Furthermore it made maintenance difficult having so many different varieties of arms inflating the number of camp followers and came with all the logistical problems larger armies have. Still for bankrupt and struggling city-states it was better than nothing.

[12]Nicknamed the "Pirate Empire" by many historians the Venetians had managed ITTL to create a system that combined stability, war, and commercial enterprise. This will be elaborated on later.
 
Last edited:
Also the Veronese made great wine at the time.
They still do: Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the best and most expensive wines in Italy, then we have Recioto, Valpolicella Superiore, Bardolino, Bardolino Chiaretto, Soave, Bianco di Custoza...
(Now I am tempted to try again my hand at my aborted Scaligeri TL : it had Cangrande surviving his otl's poisoning and leaving a clear and more capable successor, bit it floundered quite soon unfortunately...)

I liked this update a lot: introducing two minor (but maybe very important in the future, who knows? I am already shipping the couple a bit...) to do the exposition is better than relying on a textbook-like infodump, if one can pull it off as nicely as you did.
 
I liked this update a lot: introducing two minor (but maybe very important in the future, who knows? I am already shipping the couple a bit...) to do the exposition is better than relying on a textbook-like infodump, if one can pull it off as nicely as you did.

Thank you, I'm experimenting outside my usual long-winded style with... well a different long-winded style.
 
Chapter 1. Part 3 A Florentine Perspective
Chapter 1. Part 3
A Florentine Perspective


Haggard, sluggish, with dark circles under his eyes Maso degli Albizzi looked like he had risen from the grave. As the patriarch of the Albizzi family has seen the Republic at its worst and best throughout the years but, recently it has become harder and harder to find the bright side of things. As one the most influential families of the oligarchy in Florence the Albizzi family has backed the war against Milan and has suffered for it. Allied with Bologna, Ferrara, Padua, Mantua, and Holy Roman Rupert Florence suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the late duke. Seemingly at its death throes with the Visconti banners advancing into the Tuscan hills Saint John delivered a miracle in the form of the death of Gian Galeazzo Visconti. [1]

Seizing the initiative Albizzi scourged up the last bit of the Republic's strength and set out to besiege the city of Pisa, Florence's traditional enemy and the most threatening client-state of Milan. Driven by the knowledge that as desperate as things were, it was much worse in Milan. [2]

But who could've foreseen such an unlikely alliance? The entry of Venice into the war was truly an anomaly, like a primordial guardian the Venetians have traditionally guarded their domain of the seas fiercely and concerned themselves with little else. Now these enigmatic traders have thrown everything in a bid for hegemony of the city-states. The defeatists of Florence, formerly a vocal minority now swells in numbers and boldness with the addition of the fearful and hopeful. Arguing that Milan's ascension was inevitable the defeatists opted for peace and vassalage under favorable terms to the duke. But Albizzi knew better; he knew the new duke would not be so merciful, that Florence cannot prosper under tyranny, and he knew that Saint John would not forgive the man who gave away Florence's independence.[3]

There was however a silver-lining to all of this, for Albizzi has also found new supporters fearful of the young duke of Milan. In a mad gamble Albizzi has thrown everything North to strike at the heart of the Viscontis and leaving only a small garrison to guard against Pisa. Loaned to the hilt, on the verge of starvation, and with rebellion budding in the streets of Florence this was the type of gamble that produced heroes or martyrs.

Only time would tell.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




[1]Just as OTL, Florence was ruled by an oligarchy of the rich merchants and guilds at the time and the Albizzi were an influential family of the oligarchy.

[2]Just as OTL.

[3]IOTL there was a large sizable peace faction (which happened to be poor or disenfranchised) with the same ideas and they would eventually overthrow the Albizzi led oligarchy after an ill-fated war with Lucca by 1434. ITTL the worsening situation has given them more strength.
 
Top