Venice: The Daughter of Rome
How Venice Destroyed and Preserved Rome
Venice is a city decorated in antiquity, yet fiercely independent in its culture and character. San Mark’s Square emulates the grandeur and magnificence of a Classical Roman Forum, yet its buildings are adorned with Oriental Styles. This is the essence of Venice, a city that was never Roman, but keenly looked towards the ancient civilization for ideas and propaganda, thus becoming an independent daughter of Rome. What gives Venice this special title amongst the other petty Italian states? The origins of Venice lie in the East, as it swore nominal political loyalty to the Eastern Roman Empire, or the “Byzantine Empire”, while much of its early culture was an offshoot of its mighty suzerain. As a result, Venice was never dominated by a large empire, allowing the city to develop a sense of autonomy and pride in the term, Venetian. However, the paws of Rome can be seen in its urban fabric, and the fascinating way that the city blended its independent culture with Classical Marble is essential to the history of Venice.
Venetian Gothic
Under the autonomous eye of the Eastern Roman Empire, Venice flourished due to the trading privileges granted to the city. As a result, the architectural style of Venice took inspiration from its trading partners in the East. The wooden bridge…
