A Tale of Two Cities
Spyridon I. Flogaitis
Director of the European Public Law Organization - Professor at National and Capodistrian University of Athens
This study examines the complex and often antagonistic relationship between two cities that played a pivotal role in the shaping of modern civilization and the history of humankind: Venice and Constantinople. In the context of the rise of New Rome (Constantinople) established by Emperor Constantine, and the barbarian invasions of Italy, the newly founded city of Venice enjoyed the protection of the Empire, and, over time, became responsible for filling the void created by the Empire’s waning influence in the Eastern Mediterranean – particularly in matters of commerce and navigation. The study further outlines how Venice – which became powerful thanks to the Empire – ultimately contributed to the fall of Constantinople and the Roman Empire during the Fourth Crusade. Nevertheless, in the face of the advancing Ottomans, Venice later sought to defend the city in order to preserve Christian control. Although this effort failed, Venice succeeded in defending Italy from Ottoman invasion, and allowed itself and its territories in the Greek peninsula to become a destination for Greeks fleeing Ottoman rule. Venice permitted the Greeks to practice their religion, pursue education, and ultimately preserve their culture and society – allowing for the rebirth of a nation when the time came.
Keywords: Constantine the Great; Roman Empire; Mediterranean; Venice; Constantinople-New Rome; Christianity; Ottomans
* The article is based on previous research that has partly been published in Liber Amicorum per Marco D’Alberti, ed. Giappichelli, Torino 2022, pp. 147-152 and is herein published with permission. This study borrows the title of the famous novel of Charles Dickens on purpose, because strangely enough the History of Humankind has been for about seven centuries a Tale of Two Cities, Constantinople and Venice. This study does not intend to be a complete historical essay full of events and references, but a comprehensive approach of historical events which need to be seen globally, if one wants to understand what truly happened and how those cities contributed into promoting Modern Civilization. The bibliography about Constantinople and/or Venice is endless, although studies are still needed to develop aspects of the theme examined in this essay.
