074. The Zen Master
Doge Ranieri Zen had an action-packed career. His life story traces the course of Venice’s rise and rise during the turbulent 13th century. As a diplomat and a national leader, he navigated some turbu...
15 Okt 50min
Art and Culture 10. Seductive Venice with Kathleen Gonzalez
This week we talk to writer Kathleen Gonzalez, who has written books about contemporary and historical Venice, including a compilation of short biographies of many of the city's most notable women, al...
8 Okt 1h
073. The Doge of Plenty
Doge Marino Morosini (1249-53) hasn’t made much of a dent on the history books. Contemporary chronicler Martin da Canal gives him a good write-up: “Throughout his time as Doge, Venice was abundantly s...
1 Okt 27min
072. Guess Who's Back?
Venice had won a crushing naval victory against Genoa in the summer of 1258. But that just meant that the Genoese needed to look for new allies. And Genoa’s new best friend is an old friend of our sto...
26 Sep 36min
071. Genoa Salami
War. What is it good for? Well, in Venice’s case, it’s good for expanding your commercial networks and, just as importantly, keeping your rivals out of the best ports and trade routes. After the death...
17 Sep 50min
070. The Big Recap 2nd Birthday Episode
It's two years today since we released our four-minute introduction episode into the world of podcasts. Today we try to recap the whole of Venetian history (up to 1250, where our narrative has reached...
9 Sep 55min
Casanova Part 10. Viennese Whirl
After an enjoyable but ultimately financially draining two years in Paris, and a brief visit to his mother in Dresden, Casanova is making his way back home. But en route, he stops off in Vienna, the g...
26 Aug 38min
069. The Lottery Winner
“The great Doge of Venice, Giacomo Tiepolo, was brave, wise and energetic. He was a winner. Before he became Doge, he had obtained victories over his enemies everywhere he went. And once he was the Do...
17 Aug 50min
