How Long Did Venice Rule Italy?

It is a common misconception that Venice ruled over Italy for a prolonged period. In reality, the concept of an independent Venice ruling Italy is fundamentally flawed. The Republic of Venice, while significant, primarily exerted influence over certain regions of the Italian peninsula and was never a unified ruler of all of Italy.

The Geopolitical Context

The sovereignty and territorial dynamics of Venice and Italy are better understood within the context of specific historical periods. After the Liberal Unification of Italy in 1870, Venice fell under the control of the newly formed Italian Kingdom.

The Rise and Fall of the Venetian Republic

The Republic of Venice spanned over a thousand years, but its influence was chiefly confined to its maritime empire and the territorial region known as the Stato da Terraferma.

The Early History of Venice

For much of Venice's early history, the city state focused on maritime trade and commerce. Its governance was decentralized, with power often tied to the maritime economy and not to extensive territorial control across the Italian peninsula.

The Expansion of the Stato da Terraferma

The Stato da Terraferma (Territory of Land) began its expansion in the 15th century, driven by Venetian ambition and the threat of enemy states such as Padua. Padua's aggression alerted nearby allies, including the Milanese and Venetians, to act in direct military intervention. This led to a series of successful campaigns that furthered the Venetian holdings in the Veneto region, which bordered countries such as Austria to the north, the Duchy of Milan to the west, and the Papal States to the south. At its height, the Venetian Empire extended its influence over a significant portion of Northern Italy.

The War of the League of Cambrai

However, the expansion also fueled the anxieties of the neighboring powers, particularly the Vatican and France. Their combined forces wreaked havoc on the Republic during the War of the League of Cambrai, an event that almost led to a total collapse of Venetian power. The survival of the Republic was only assured through the infighting among the League and Venetian diplomatic efforts.

The Decline of the Venetian Republic

The Venetian Empire continued to hold sway over Northern Italy until 1797 when the French Revolution and Napoleon's rise brought about dramatic changes. In 1797, Napoleon forced the dissolution of the Republic, taking control of its Venetian territories. The remaining lands, including Cattaro, Istria, parts of Montenegro, Dalmatia, and Corfu, were eventually ceded to Austria in subsequent peace treaties.

Conclusion

Despite its long-lasting legacy and significant influence on Northern Italy, the Republic of Venice never ruled Italy. Instead, it is more accurate to say that Venice was ruled by the Kingdom of Italy from 1870 onward, a period that marks the end of the Venetian Republic's sovereignty.