Venice - Ruler: Doge Pasquale Malipiero

Venice has the strongest economy and most stable state in Italy. The Dieci, a committee of ten, elects the Doge for life and since the suppression of Marin Falier's conspiracy in 1354, men such as Michele Steno [1400/13], Tomavaso Mozenigo [1414/23] and Francesco Foscari [1423/57] provided strong, princely government. Under their leadership, Venice has followed a policy of expansion in the Adriatic and Aegean, taking Padua, Vicenza and Verona in 1405 and meeting Visconti aggression with a Florentine alliance in 1425, since when Florence has expanded inland. Despite high taxes, these territories show little resentment to Venetian control, probably because Venice guarantees prosperity.

Abroad, Ottoman expansion and Aegean recession reduced mercantile opportunities, causing intense competition between Venice and Genoa. Although her fortunes waxed and waned in the naval wars of 1351/55 and 1377/81, Venice eclipsed her rival. Genoa is now second rate while Venice is the foremost Italian power with an income of over 1,000,000 ducats. Wealth, strong government and a united people are a great asset in the face of Ottoman aggression and the jealousy of her Italian neighbours. Map