Who was Enrico Dandolo and what were his primary roles?

Enrico Dandolo was the Doge of Venice from 1192 until his death in 1205. He is also recognized for his role as a Despot of the Latin Empire, a title granted to him for his significant involvement in the Fourth Crusade and the subsequent Sack of Constantinople.

When and where was Enrico Dandolo born, and what was his approximate lifespan?

Enrico Dandolo was born in Venice around 1107 and died in Constantinople in May or June of 1205, making him approximately 97 or 98 years old at the time of his death. His long life was notable for its duration and the significant events he experienced and influenced.

What family did Enrico Dandolo belong to, and who were his notable relatives?

Enrico Dandolo was a member of the prominent Dandolo family of Venice. He was the son of Vitale Dandolo, a jurist, and had two brothers, Andrea and Giovanni. His uncle, also named Enrico Dandolo, served as the Patriarch of Grado.

What is known about Enrico Dandolo's early life before his father's death?

Little specific information is available about Enrico Dandolo's younger years. He remained under his father Vitale's legal authority, a state known as filial subjection, until his father's death in 1174, even though Enrico was already around 67 years old. During this time, his father's name was typically used on official documents for business dealings.

What significant political events involved Enrico Dandolo between 1171 and 1172?

During the crisis years of 1171 and 1172, which marked a difficult period in relations between the Byzantine Empire and Venice, Enrico Dandolo was involved in diplomatic and military efforts. He participated in a retaliatory expedition against the Byzantine Empire after Emperor Manuel I Comnenus ordered the seizure of Venetian assets and the imprisonment of Venetians within the empire.

How did Enrico Dandolo's political career progress under Doge Sebastiano Ziani?

Under Doge Sebastiano Ziani, Enrico Dandolo was frequently sent on diplomatic missions to Constantinople and to the court of King William II of Sicily. His consistent participation in these important envoys highlights his value and growing influence within the Venetian government, contributing to his eventual election as Doge.

What were Enrico Dandolo's roles during his diplomatic missions to Constantinople in 1183 and 1184?

In 1183 and 1184, Enrico Dandolo served as a ducal legate on voyages to Constantinople. During these trips, he likely negotiated reparations for the Venetian quarter with Emperor Andronicus I and also worked to restore lands to Venetian monasteries, earning him the position of legal advocate for the monastery of San Cipriano di Murano.

When was Enrico Dandolo elected Doge of Venice, and how was this position chosen?

Enrico Dandolo was elected Doge of Venice on June 1, 1192, following the abdication of Orio Mastropiero. He was the second Doge to be selected by a council of forty electors, a process designed to ensure a more structured and less tumultuous succession.

What was Enrico Dandolo's condition and reputation when he became Doge?

When Enrico Dandolo became Doge at the age of approximately 85 (based on later accounts), he was already elderly and blind. Despite these challenges, he was known for his remarkable energy, mental acuity, and deep ambition, which he demonstrated throughout his eleven-year tenure as Venice's leader.

What was the significance of Enrico Dandolo's promissione ducale?

Enrico Dandolo's promissione ducale, the oath taken by a newly elected Doge, is the earliest such document available to historians. While not the first Doge to take this oath, his is the one that provides valuable insights into the ducal office and its commitments during that period.

What decree did Enrico Dandolo enact shortly after becoming Doge, and what was its purpose?

On August 16, 1192, Enrico Dandolo issued a decree requiring all foreigners who had resided in Venice for less than two years to leave the city. Landlords were obligated to evict them, and Venetians were forbidden from lending money to these foreigners for more than fifteen days. The exact reason for this decree is unknown, but it may have been a response to a recent influx of foreigners.

What military action did Enrico Dandolo lead against Zara in 1193?

In 1193, Enrico Dandolo commanded an attack on the city of Zara, which had previously rebelled against Venetian control and posed a threat to Venetian interests on the Dalmatian Coast. While the attack did not fully recapture Zara, Venice successfully regained control over the nearby islands of Pago, Ossero, and Arbe.

What significant reforms did Enrico Dandolo implement regarding Venetian currency in 1194?

In 1194, Enrico Dandolo reformed Venice's currency system. He introduced three denominations of the silver penny: the *bianco* (half-penny), the *quartarolo* (quarter-penny), and the silver *grosso*. The *grosso* was particularly significant as it was the first nearly pure silver, high-denomination coin minted in Western Europe in over five centuries and eventually became dominant in Mediterranean trade.

What was the role of Enrico Dandolo and Venice in the Fourth Crusade?

Enrico Dandolo played a pivotal role in the Fourth Crusade, which began in 1202. He negotiated the terms for Venice to provide a fleet and supplies for the Crusaders, a massive undertaking for the city. Dandolo himself committed to the Crusade, even taking the cross, and ensured Venice's substantial participation, including providing galleys and splitting spoils.

What financial difficulties arose during the Fourth Crusade, and how did Dandolo address them?

The Fourth Crusade faced financial difficulties when the initial envoys failed to pay the agreed-upon sum for the fleet and provisions. As more Crusaders arrived, the debt grew, threatening Venetian creditors with ruin. Dandolo addressed this by lending the outstanding amount from the Venetian state, contingent on the Crusaders repaying it with the spoils of their campaign, and also proposed they winter in Zara.

What was the significance of Enrico Dandolo taking the cross?

Enrico Dandolo's act of taking the cross, or committing himself to the Crusade, occurred during an emotional ceremony in San Marco di Venezia. This public commitment symbolized Venice's full dedication to the cause and secured the support of the Venetian populace for the massive undertaking, with Dandolo promising to join the Crusaders himself.

How did the Fourth Crusade become diverted to Constantinople?

After the Crusaders wintered in Zara, Alexius Angelus, son of the deposed Byzantine Emperor Isaac II, arrived seeking help to regain the throne from his uncle, Alexius III. Dandolo and the Crusade leaders agreed to divert the fleet to Constantinople to restore Alexius Angelus, who promised financial support and aid to the Crusade in return.

What was Enrico Dandolo's involvement in the Sack of Constantinople in 1204?

Enrico Dandolo was instrumental in the diversion of the Fourth Crusade to Constantinople, which culminated in the city's conquest and sack in 1204. During the looting, he ensured that many valuable items, including the famous Horses of St. Mark, were sent back to Venice.

What title did Enrico Dandolo accept after the fall of Constantinople?

Following the establishment of the Latin Empire after the conquest of Constantinople, Enrico Dandolo was offered the position of emperor but declined it. However, he did accept the Byzantine-derived title of Despot, signifying his high status and influence in the newly formed empire.

What territorial gains did Venice secure as a result of the Fourth Crusade?

As a result of the conquest of Constantinople and the subsequent agreement known as the Partitio Romaniae, Venice was awarded three-eighths of the Byzantine Empire. This included strategic territories such as a portion of Constantinople near the harbor, parts of the Sea of Marmara shoreline, and the city of Adrianople, among other former Byzantine possessions.

When and where did Enrico Dandolo die?

Enrico Dandolo died in Constantinople in either May or June of 1205, during his tenure as Doge and shortly after the establishment of the Latin Empire.

Where was Enrico Dandolo buried, and what is the current status of his tomb?

Enrico Dandolo was buried in the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. While a cenotaph marker was placed in the 19th century by an Italian restoration team, the original tomb's fate is uncertain, with legends attributing its destruction to the Byzantine reconquest or the Ottoman conquest in 1453. A 2021 documentary suggested a skeleton found beneath the cenotaph might be his.

What are the different theories regarding the cause and timing of Enrico Dandolo's blindness?

The exact cause and timing of Enrico Dandolo's blindness are debated. The Chronicle of Novgorod claims he was blinded by the Byzantines during the 1171-1172 expedition. However, historian Thomas F. Madden suggests he suffered from cortical blindness due to a head wound sustained between 1174 and 1176, supported by evidence of his signature's deterioration during that period. Geoffrey de Villehardouin noted that Dandolo's eyes appeared normal but he was unable to see.

What is known about Enrico Dandolo's children and descendants?

Enrico Dandolo had at least one son, Ranieri, who served as vice-doge and was later killed in the war for Crete. His granddaughter, Anna Dandolo, married Serbian King Stefan Nemanjić, making Enrico an ancestor of the prominent Nemanjić dynasty. The existence of other children is not confirmed by contemporary evidence.

Who was Enrico Dandolo's wife, and what is known about her?

Enrico Dandolo's wife was named Contessa. She was delegated authority over his commercial and private affairs before he departed for Constantinople in 1183. Her exact identity is debated, with some sources suggesting she may have belonged to the Minotto clan, though this is not definitively confirmed.

How has Enrico Dandolo been commemorated in the Italian Navy?

The Italian Navy (Regia Marina) honored Enrico Dandolo by naming an ironclad battleship after him. The battleship was named *Enrico Dandolo*.

In what literary work is Enrico Dandolo referenced, and what is the context?

Enrico Dandolo is referenced by Lord Byron in his poem *Childe Harold's Pilgrimage*. Byron invokes Dandolo's memory, specifically mentioning his blindness and his role as a conqueror of Byzantium, in a line that reads, 'Oh, for one hour of blind old Dandolo! The octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe.'

How is Enrico Dandolo represented in popular culture, specifically in video games?

Enrico Dandolo is featured as the leader of the Venetian civilization in the popular turn-based strategy video game *Civilization V*, specifically in its expansion pack *Brave New World*. This representation places him as a key historical figure influencing the game's strategic elements.

In which modern novel is Enrico Dandolo mentioned, and in relation to what?

Enrico Dandolo is mentioned in Dan Brown's novel *Inferno*. The character Robert Langdon references Dandolo in connection with his final resting place, the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which serves as a significant location within the novel's plot.

What was the significance of the Venetian grosso coin introduced during Dandolo's dogeship?

The Venetian *grosso*, introduced by Enrico Dandolo in 1194, was a significant monetary innovation. It was the first coin of its kind in Western Europe in over five centuries to be made of nearly pure silver and have a high denomination, making it a crucial tool for Mediterranean commerce and establishing Venice's economic influence.

What was the primary objective of the Byzantine-Venetian crisis of 1171-1172 that involved Enrico Dandolo?

The crisis of 1171-1172 stemmed from Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus's actions to restore Genoese and Pisan influence in Constantinople, which threatened Venetian trade dominance. In retaliation for Venetian anger and subsequent mob actions against the Genoese quarter, Comnenus ordered the seizure of Venetian assets and the imprisonment of Venetians in the empire, leading to Venetian military and diplomatic responses in which Dandolo participated.

What was the 'Partitio Romaniae' and its impact on Venice?

The 'Partitio Romaniae' was an agreement made by the Crusaders after the fall of Constantinople in 1204. It stipulated the division of the Byzantine Empire, awarding Venice a substantial portion, specifically three-eighths of the empire's territories. This division significantly expanded Venice's colonial empire and influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

What evidence exists regarding the potential location of Enrico Dandolo's actual tomb?

While a 19th-century cenotaph exists in the Hagia Sophia, a 2021 documentary presented evidence, including georadar images, suggesting the presence of a human skeleton beneath the cenotaph. The skeleton's position and features align with descriptions of Dandolo, potentially indicating the location of his true burial site, contrary to earlier legends of its destruction.

How did Enrico Dandolo's political involvement contribute to his election as Doge?

Enrico Dandolo's consistent participation in significant diplomatic missions, including those related to the Byzantine crisis and efforts to secure alliances, demonstrated his political acumen and importance within the Venetian ducal court. These experiences and his established reputation likely paved the way for his election as Doge in 1192.

What was the strategic importance of Venice's interest in regaining control over Zara?

Zara had been a significant port city that rebelled against Venetian control, posing a threat to Venice's dominance over the Dalmatian Coast. Regaining control of Zara was strategically important for Venice to secure its maritime trade routes and assert its authority in the region, which is why Dandolo pursued this objective during his dogeship and the Fourth Crusade.

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Biography

Prominent Family

Born in Venice around 1107, Enrico Dandolo hailed from the influential Dandolo family. His father, Vitale Dandolo, was a respected jurist and member of the ducal court. Enrico's early life was marked by his family's prominence, though detailed records from his youth are scarce, partly due to his father's longevity and the legal structures of the time that kept sons under paternal authority even in old age.

Early Political Involvement

Dandolo's political career gained momentum during the turbulent years of 1171-1172, a period of significant tension between the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice. He participated in diplomatic missions to Constantinople, navigating complex relationships and trade disputes. His consistent involvement in these high-stakes negotiations underscored his value and political acumen within the Venetian government.

Diplomatic Missions

Further diplomatic endeavors included voyages to Constantinople in 1183 and 1184. As a ducal legate, he engaged in crucial negotiations concerning reparations and the restoration of Venetian quarters within the Byzantine capital. These efforts, aimed at securing Venetian interests and resolving conflicts, laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to leadership.

Dogeship

Ascendancy and Energy

In 1192, at an advanced age and already blind, Enrico Dandolo was elected Doge of Venice. Despite his physical condition, he demonstrated remarkable energy and sharp intellect. Some historical accounts suggest he may have been in his mid-seventies upon taking office, a testament to his enduring vitality and the respect he commanded.

Ducal Decrees and Reforms

As Doge, Dandolo enacted significant policies. In 1192, he issued a decree evicting foreigners who had resided in Venice for less than two years, a move whose precise motivations remain unclear but likely related to managing the city's growing foreign population. He also initiated crucial reforms to Venice's currency system, introducing the silver grosso, which became a dominant coin in Mediterranean commerce.

Campaign Against Zara

In 1193, Dandolo led a military campaign against Zara, a city that had rebelled against Venetian control. While the campaign secured surrounding islands, Zara itself remained defiant. This action highlighted Venice's determination to maintain its dominance along the Dalmatian Coast and Dandolo's strategic focus on consolidating Venetian power.

The Fourth Crusade

Venice as Transport Provider

In 1202, Dandolo masterfully negotiated Venice's participation in the Fourth Crusade, agreeing to provide a fleet and supplies for the crusaders. The terms stipulated substantial payments, which Venice agreed to finance when the crusaders fell short, contingent on sharing the spoils. Dandolo himself took the cross, pledging to accompany the expedition.

Financial Maneuvers

Facing a financial shortfall from the crusaders, Dandolo proposed a strategic diversion: the siege of Zara. This plan, while controversial and opposed by Pope Innocent III, served Venetian interests by recapturing the rebellious city and securing its trade routes. The crusaders, under pressure, agreed, leading to the successful but excommunicated siege of Zara.

Constantinople's Fall

The Crusade's trajectory shifted dramatically with the intervention of Alexius Angelus, son of the deposed Byzantine Emperor. Dandolo supported the plan to restore Alexius to the throne, leading the fleet to Constantinople. The subsequent siege and sack of the city in 1204 resulted in the establishment of the Latin Empire and the acquisition of significant treasures for Venice, including the Horses of Saint Mark.

Latin Empire

Refusal of the Crown

Following the conquest of Constantinople, Dandolo was offered the emperorship of the newly formed Latin Empire. However, he declined the title, recognizing the complexities of ruling such a vast and unstable territory. Baldwin of Flanders was subsequently elected Emperor.

Title of Despot

In recognition of his pivotal role in the conquest and his strategic contributions, Dandolo accepted the prestigious Byzantine-derived title of Despot. This honorific title reflected his elevated status and influence within the new political order established after the fall of Byzantium.

Venetian Territorial Gains

The partition of the Byzantine Empire, known as the Partitio Romaniae, awarded Venice a significant portion—three-eighths—of its territories. This included strategic locations and trade routes, solidifying Venice's maritime dominance. Dandolo was recognized as the "lord of three-eighths of the Roman Empire," though these gains were temporary, lasting until the empire's collapse.

Blindness

Cause and Timing

The exact cause and timing of Enrico Dandolo's blindness remain subjects of historical debate. Some chronicles, like the Novgorod First Chronicle, suggest he was blinded by the Byzantines during the 1171 expedition. However, modern scholarship, notably Thomas F. Madden's work, posits that a severe head wound sustained between 1174 and 1176 likely caused cortical blindness, a condition where the eyes appear normal but vision is lost.

Nature of the Condition

Evidence from contemporary accounts, such as Geoffrey de Villehardouin's, indicates that Dandolo's blindness was total, despite his eyes appearing unharmed. This supports the theory of cortical blindness, suggesting his condition did not impede his ability to govern or strategize, as demonstrated by his vigorous leadership during his dogeship.

Legacy

Descendants and Influence

Dandolo's son, Raniero, served as vice-doge and was later killed in conflict with Genoa. Raniero's daughter, Anna Dandolo, married Stefan Nemanjić, a Serbian Grand Prince, making Enrico an ancestor to the influential Nemanjić dynasty. His wife, Contessa, managed his affairs during his absences.

Naval Heritage

The Italian Navy honored Dandolo by naming an ironclad battleship, the Enrico Dandolo, after him. This reflects his enduring association with Venice's maritime power and strategic prowess.

Literary Recognition

Lord Byron immortalized Dandolo's role in the Fourth Crusade in his poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, referencing him as "the octogenarian chief, Byzantium's conquering foe." This literary nod highlights Dandolo's significant impact on historical events and his place in cultural memory.

Popular Culture

Video Games

Enrico Dandolo leads the Venetian civilization in the acclaimed video game Civilization V: Brave New World, allowing players to experience his strategic leadership in a virtual context.

Literature and Film

Dan Brown's novel Inferno briefly mentions Dandolo in connection with his burial site at the Hagia Sophia. The novel was later adapted into a film, further embedding Dandolo's story into contemporary popular culture.

Notes

References

Detailed citations and bibliographical information are available through the reference section.

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References

Madden, "Venice's Hostage Crisis: Diplomatic Efforts to Secure Peace with Byzantium between 1171 and 1184." p. 97-104

Stahl, Alan M. "The Coinage of Venice in the Age of Enrico Dandolo." In Medieval and Renaissance Venice, edited by Ellen E. Kittell and Thomas F. Madden, 124â40. (University of Illinois Press, 1999.) p. 124

A full list of references for this article are available at the Enrico Dandolo Wikipedia page

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The Blind Doge: Enrico Dandolo's Venetian Gambit

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Biography 📜

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Prominent Family

🏛️ Early Political Involvement

💰 Diplomatic Missions

Dogeship 👑

👴 Ascendancy and Energy

📜 Ducal Decrees and Reforms

⚔️ Campaign Against Zara

The Fourth Crusade ⚔️

🚢 Venice as Transport Provider

💰 Financial Maneuvers

👑 Constantinople's Fall

Latin Empire 🏛️

👑 Refusal of the Crown

🎖️ Title of Despot

🗺️ Venetian Territorial Gains

Blindness 👁️‍🗨️

❓ Cause and Timing

👀 Nature of the Condition

Legacy 🌳

👨‍👦 Descendants and Influence

🚢 Naval Heritage

✍️ Literary Recognition

Popular Culture 🎭

🎮 Video Games

📚 Literature and Film

Notes 📝

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Prominent Family

Early Political Involvement

Diplomatic Missions

Dogeship

Ascendancy and Energy

Ducal Decrees and Reforms

Campaign Against Zara

The Fourth Crusade

Venice as Transport Provider

Financial Maneuvers

Constantinople's Fall

Latin Empire

Refusal of the Crown

Title of Despot

Venetian Territorial Gains

Blindness

Cause and Timing

Nature of the Condition

Legacy

Descendants and Influence

Naval Heritage

Literary Recognition

Popular Culture

Video Games

Literature and Film

Notes

References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice