Osprey Men-at-Arms 210 : The Venetian Empire 1200-1670

The story of Venice is, to some extent, separate from that of the rest of Europe. The same could be said of the city's military history and organisation. Early in the 9th century the Venetians defeated Pepin the Frank's attempts to overawe them, and they remained, at least in theory, subject to Byzantium. Gradually, however, Venice drifted into independence; and subsequently carved out its own empire at the expense of its former Byzantine masters. Their position on a series of islands set in a marshy lagoon at the head of the Adriatic made the Venetians virtually invulnerable while they steadily built up both their commercial and naval strength. In this the famous Arsenal of Venice played a leading role. The Venetians were soon famous for their roving and warlike spirit, keen business acumen and pride. An almost modern sense of 'national' identity unified the city and saved Venice from many of those class struggles which rent the rest of medieval Italy. David Nicolle explores the remarkable history of the city and its army from 1200-1670, accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Christopher Rothero.

Contents

• A State Apart
• The Age of Expansion 1203-1509
• Venice on the Defensive
• Arms and Armour
• The Plates