Political Intrigue and Fragile Peace

On the 21st, the vacant chair was filled by the election of Gradenigo il nasone, a man largely responsible for frustrating a recent conspiracy. Meanwhile, negotiations with Genoa dragged on, and it was not until the following June that a treaty of peace was finally signed in Milan.

The Venetian statesmen enjoyed little respite. The defeat at Sapienza and the supposed weakening of executive authority following the miserable end of Doge Faliero tempted the Hungarians—rapidly growing in population and civilisation—to pursue their long-held ambition of securing a seaboard.

War was declared. Francesco Carrara, ruler of Padua under Venetian tutelage, was summoned to assist his suzerain. Yet the Carraras harboured dynastic ambitions and secretly aided King Louis of Hungary, then besieging Treviso.

The Loss of Dalmatia

The defence of both Treviso and Dalmatia proved beyond the Republic’s strength. After two years of struggle and bitter humiliation, Dalmatia, purchased with the blood of Doges, patricians, and people, was surrendered by the Peace of Zara in February 1358. In exchange, Venice retained Treviso.

Gradenigo had died two years earlier, leaving Giovanni Delfino to sign this painful renunciation. Delfino, elected while bravely defending Treviso, broke through Hungarian lines by night to meet the Senate at Mestre. Broken in spirit and failing in sight, he died of the plague in 1361.

Revolt in Crete and the Presence of Petrarch

Under Delfino’s successor, Lorenzo Celsi, Crete—never fully subdued—erupted into revolt. Terror reigned across the island.

At this time, Francesco Petrarch, seeking peace and security, had settled in Venice, which he famously called “the only nest of liberty and sole refuge of the good.” He lived simply on the Riva degli Schiavoni, delighting in watching the vast galleys glide past his window, their masts towering like fortresses.

Petrarch, honoured and close to the Signory, advised the employment of the renowned Veronese condottiero Lucchino del Verme. On the 4th of June, as Petrarch conversed with the Archbishop of Patras, a galley appeared, her masts wreathed with flowers, bearing news of victory: Lucchino had crushed the rebels.

A three-day thanksgiving festival followed. Petrarch himself was seated beside the Doge, overlooking the festivities in St Mark’s Square, crowded beyond measure with citizens, nobles, and more than four hundred magnificently dressed ladies. Yet the poet soon withdrew, bored by the length of the celebrations.

The joy proved premature. The revolt flared again, requiring a costly year-long campaign to extinguish it.

Art, Diplomacy, and Reluctant Doges

To show his gratitude, Petrarch offered his vast library to Venice, proposing the foundation of a public library. Though accepted by the Procurators of St Mark, the ultimate fate of this priceless gift remains unknown.

During the brief and peaceful reign of Marco Corner, the painter Guariento of Verona adorned the Hall of the Great Council with scenes from the conflict between Alexander III and Barbarossa, accompanied by Petrarch’s inscriptions.

In 1368, Andrea Contarini was found grafting fruit trees on his farm by the Brenta when emissaries arrived to inform him of his election as Doge. Warned by a Syrian soothsayer against accepting the office, he resisted until threats of confiscation forced his compliance.

Toward the Final Struggle with Genoa

Tensions with Genoa reignited over precedence at the coronation of the King of Cyprus and escalated into violence. But the decisive cause of war was the island of Tenedos, a strategic stronghold near the Dardanelles.

Venice purchased the island from the impoverished Byzantine Emperor. Genoa retaliated by backing Andronicus, the Emperor’s rebellious son. The islanders, confronted with rival claims, welcomed the Venetians and declared for St Mark.

Both powers prepared for war. Genoa allied with Hungary and Padua; Venice with Milan. Carlo Zeno was dispatched to harass Genoese interests at sea, while Vettor Pisani commanded the home fleet.

Disaster at Pola

After initial successes, Pisani was ordered to winter at Pola. There, overruled by civil commissioners, he was forced into battle against a superior Genoese fleet. Despite early promise and the death of Genoese admiral Luciano Doria, the Venetian formation was broken, and the fleet annihilated—save for six escaping galleys.

Pisani returned to Venice only to be degraded and imprisoned. The Republic reeled. For the first time in centuries, a hostile fleet swept the lagoons.

Venice Under Siege

The Genoese ravaged the coast, captured Chioggia, and allied forces threatened Venice by land and sea. Negotiations were attempted but contemptuously rejected.

“You shall have no peace,” declared Doria, “until I have bridled St Mark’s horses.”

The city braced for a final struggle. Patrician and plebeian pledged unity. Though the Senate appointed Taddeo Giustiniani, the people demanded Pisani. Released from prison, he was carried in triumph through the city, refusing personal acclaim in favour of St Mark.

A massive mobilisation followed. Wealth was poured into the treasury. Even clothing clasps were surrendered. The aged Doge himself raised his banner and resolved to lead.

The Turning of the Tide

On the night of December 21st, Pisani executed a daring plan to blockade Chioggia, sinking hulks to choke the channels and cutting off all escape. Hunger and cold tested Venetian resolve. Mutiny threatened.

The Doge swore he would die before abandoning Venice.

On New Year’s Day, anxious eyes scanned the horizon. Fifteen sails appeared. Were they Genoese reinforcements—or salvation?

As scouts approached, St Mark’s banner was raised on the foremost galley.

Carlo Zeno had returned.

The darkest hour had passed.