The Hidden Ancient History of Venice
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- Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
- Venice had no Roman history, so it imported one. This video - shot on location in St. Mark's Square - explains how.
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:10 Spoils of the Fourth Crusade
1:52 The Piazzetta and its columns
3:19 The Tetrarchs
4:53 The Pilastri Acritani
5:57 Two bits of porphyry
6:57 The Horses of St. Mark
7:47 A Byzantine view
Time for our daily thinking of the Roman Empire
💯
There's nothing we can do about it 😉
In perpetuam
Ugh that’s all men think about 😂
It's Rome, crusaders, or WW2 😅
I studied in Venice, and found the tetrarchs by pure mistake while my mother was visiting me. I knew about the tetrarchs and the statue, but was convinced it was either in Istanbul or in a museum. To find it inside a wall in a random corner tucked away from the plaza absolutely baffled me
the ancient live the history in the street not like now in museum
For some reason I thought the statue was in Ravenna.
Ironically, you can argue that they still are in an Istanbul museum-at least part of them. Whoever looted the statues was sloppy, and left a foot behind that Venice had to recreate in white marble instead of porphyry. The Turks found that missing foot and put it in a museum, pretty powerful statement about looted art.
I went to look at the Tetarchs with a friend, and we noticed a group of tourists that were milling around them, completely oblivious to the statue, as they were working out how to get into the Doge's Palace.
@@Pantsinabucket The art the Venetians looted when they seized Constantinople, or the art the Turks looted when they seized - and kept - Constantinople? I ask because the Turks "finding" the foot is as much looting as it was when the Venetians took what they did. It's all bad.
I didn't know we had that account of the emperor's visit to the city, absolutely heartbreaking. Also didn't know that that lion was so incredibly ancient, and out in the open for millenia, wow.
That lion carving is so beautiful, but it should be protected in the winter w/ some kind of covering. Clear protected unbreakable glass.🤔🤔🤔
There were from the island of HIOS, Χίος
There are a number of bronzes in Barcelona which are becoming so tarnished due to traffic and acid rain that it's heartbreaking to witness their neglect IMHO
So that winged lion was 1000 years old when it got there? That's crazy
It's a symbol of Chaos, it comes from the Babylonian culture. Marduk and this chaos lion fought through millennia in the creation of the world. I mean St. Mar(du)k, hehe
@@Cecil_Augus Funny how christanity is largely just bits and pieces from older religions.
@@MrSafer Totally and completely. And is to be expected when we consider that it was born in the Levant, which is a major crossroad of Eurasia, from where peoples coming from Africa, Asia and Europe came together and traded for millennia. Judaism and Islam were born around the same region too, which is very interesting. Christiany is by itself a child of Judaism, a very old religion which had deep connections with Babylon and other Persian empires.
@@Cecil_Augus🔳🌬🕯🟥🟥🟫🟧🌿🌿
Notably, Venice is one of the few cities, if not the only city in Italy, to have a Patriarch instead of a Bishop, recalling more of the Orthodox influence of Constantinople in Venice's ancient past over Rome, whose influence is more recent.
Bishop is a Greek term as well. So is Pope and Catholic, Apostolic, Bible.
Christianity is a Judeo-Hellenistic syncretic religion after all.
We were taught a lot in Art History about how design Venice was influenced by the East, but we were never versed in how much of it was structurally repurposed.
"Structurally repurposed" is quite a nice way to say Stolen
In art school we all had (Graphic Design) the nascent beginnings of what our professors encouraged and referred to as our “Swipe File”
@@nandocastiglione9742When I visited Istanbul I was fascinated by the Obelisk of Theodosius which stood for a thousand and a half years in Karnak before moved to Constantinople where it has stood for a thousand and a half more years (and still looks so crisp and new). Interesting parallel that Constantinople’s great monuments were moved after its decline.
No spoils of conquest. There are many monuments etc in Constantinople/Istanbul that were taken from others after their victories.
@@jettjones9889 typical 4th crusader response 🤥😭
Interestingly the only former Roman state to play a large role in ending the Romans
Venice traditionally saw itself as part of Rome, and was treated as such by byzantine customs, by such you could say they considered it not outside their rights to make and break emperors like other byzantine and Roman institutions or military governates often did.
After Constantinople fell to the Turks, the combined Powers of the emperor, Venice, and genoa not being sufficient to win the siege, Venice considered Itself the last legitimate roman state and styled itself as the only remaining heir of the empire and (most importantly for their political system) republic.
The Fourth Crusade was not the fault of Venetians. The Crusaders sacked the City, then paid Venetians with part of the loot what they owned to them, being indebted by the transportation, for which Venice basically wasted an entire year's GDP (so it had no other choice than accepting the loot).
@@paulmayson3129 the original Plan of the venetians was Simply to remove the emperor that had messacred the latins and removed their privileges of passing through customs as Citizens and instate a new one that would be more agreable something not too uncommon in the context of eastern Rome.
The pretender that they were helping get to the throne promised to pay them for their support, but later refused and from there stuff started to go awry
@@paulmayson3129you are talking nonsense What has happened there was greed envy jealousy of the Latin world versus Greek Orthodox
@@eccoeco3454 this was only an excuse that the pretender to the throne fid not pay them ,as the Emperor who was there wisely enough left the Constantipolis with the money as any wise ruler would do
Do you think that the fenetians were stupid not to know this? BUT THEY SAW THE CHANCE TO ATTACK and particularly the Doge Dandolo who personally hated the Constantinopolitans as he has lost his privileges while he was a resident in Constantipolis
The massacre of Latins as well was another excuse but in fact there were Jo Latins from everywhere were Latins from Venice who through the privileges they had They were suffocating financially the local people commerce finances etc The constantinopolitans felt that they were exploited within their own land by a colony of Latins
I visited Venice for the third time a few months ago, and I had no idea of its history and connection to Constantinople and the eastern ancient Roman empire in their intentional decor to connect themselves with something ancient because Venice really was never part of the ancient Roman empire. Fascinating and I know that having that education before your visit just makes your visit that much more enjoyable, and meaningful.. More on Venice, please!
This was great! I have been to Venice and have toured this ancient Church and without this knowledge you can easily get overwhelmed with all of the 'history' that is laid out before your eyes. Now, knowing the background of some of this buildings details makes it all the more interesting than just a collection of 'old stuff'. What was once in my mind a curious short fat purple column is now an ancient resting place for severed heads. The winged lion from southern Anatolia that was already 1000 years old before it was relocated to it's current location (with a brief vacation to Paris) is much more interesting to me now. Thanks Garrett for bringing more value to these ancient relics.
*southern Anatolia
There was not Turkey then Turks did not existthen
It was a greek cultured area
corrected@@Michael_the_Drunkard
Video's like this are changing the nature of travel and tourism... Travelers can now be much better informed when they explore the 'old world'... and they no longer need to join a group-tour just so they can have someone explain the significance of what they are seeing...
Thank you for giving me a reason to revisit Venice.
Venice is so beautiful, one of those places that really live up to its hype. If you visit it it’s a good idea to visit the Doge’s palaces on Saint Mark square, inside it is simply magnificent. I also like to believe in the theory that saint Mark body, that was stolen from Alexandria by some Venetian merchants, is actually the body of Alexander the Great. And i love to think that all those artifacts that were stolen were preserved thanks to the fact that they were taken to Venice.😊
much like the Elgins.
I know you said a while back you were going on a trip to get footage but its really propelled your videos to top tier
As a greek who sometimes feels sad about his lost roman identity, but in love with Italy and after having visited Venice I have a lot of mixed feelings after watching this video
Reconnect with your Roman culture. There are still minority Greeks in the middle east, and in isolated portions of Greece and Turkey that still call themselves Romans. They've continued this ethnic continuation of culture for centuries. Don't let it die.
Go to Athos
The Greeks are the main cause of the sack of Rome in 410 aD, so you can put your hearth at rests. The Byzantine reconquest reduced the whole of Italy to a pile of ruins.
Our Roman Identity is not lost. We still are also Rhomioi, while Hellas and Hellenismos is also called "Rhomeosene" in Greece. We are still Romans, well and alive.
@@giorgiodifrancesco4590 how so?
Over 40 years ago, a group of us went there with our art history tutor. We mostly roamed about without a guide, finding amazing back streets with beautiful churches, and handcrafted locally produced goods, like the marbled paper shop. Very basic conditions. Lovely to be there. I remember being able to go up onto the stone walkways high up in St Marks, and be able to see the mosaics up close, the gold behind the glass. Dangerous as there was just a low stone bannister around them.
La Fenice had a concert for the 1600th anniversary of the city a few years ago.
I think of the Roman Empire hourly. And why didn't Caesar heed the warning signs before he walked into the Senate House. (Last part probably weekly) And I think about "Toldinstone " of course! 😊
Everybody stealing from each other. Constantinople/Istanbul is also loaded with stolen stuff. 'I' m glad these ancient wonders still exist and that toldinstone is here to help us keep score. Great video. Thanks.
Sometimes these thefts are a good thing. Think of all the ancient artefacts destroyed by ISIS for example. It would be much better if, say, the British stole it and kept it safe in London.
But no one comes even close to the British and French. And those things MUST be given back.
Julius Caesar: “I love this channel”
I spent a few hours near or in San Marco when I was 19 -- it would have blown my mind to know how many historical artifacts are there.
I wish I had known more when I visited Venice years ago.
If only the Venetians had been as assiduous at preserving the books of Constantinople as its columns.
"Imported" is a strange description for "looted".
Keep up the great work, Garrett 👍
TOLDINSTONE RULES
Always here for Hidden History ;)
Thank you for a great video on Lombardi/Western Roman Venice. I always enjoy your videos and the fascinating content. I always wondered why "Rome" kept getting reincarnated sack after sack? Where was the difference between "Rome"(as in Rome) and then the "Western Roman Empire" and then Holy Eastern Roman Empire? I guess it's like you said, "it was a system that worked" so they gave it another do-over.
You always manage to pick out the most obscure bits of history. Thanks for the great content.
Interesting and brief please consider making part 2 and 3, on Venice and the ancient items.
Loving the channel, loving the content! Keep up the good, hard work. Much appreciated, ToldInStone.
Just got the new book today, loving it!! I read it your voice, and... it is perfect. Thank you!!!
LOVE the new book. Thank you!
Los datos históricos y entretelones de la Historia de Venecia y la conformación de la maravillosa San Marcos, no los he encontrado ni en libros, ni en mis varias visitas a tan increíble ciudad. Definitivamente para mí, que soy una viajera, es la mas bella ciudad del mundo que yo conozco, y la Plaza de San Marcos es quizá la mas hermosa de ese período histórico. Felicitaciones y gracias por un gran trabajo...
Well made and erudite as always, these are all beautiful fascinating artifacts, quite famous and well-known, there are a number of stories and legends and trivia about them, but I didn't knew about the head of la Carmagnola being the head of emperor Justinian. Thanks!!
I was in Venice in April 2022 with a friend. My second visit. St. Mark's is a must. Thanks for pointing out some of the hidden history of the basilica and its surroundings. I knew about the connection between Venice and the Byzantines. I also took time to visit Ravenna to see the early examples of Byzantine mosaics in the churches there. I was surprised to find the churches smaller than I had anticipated. One detail to point out, the 4 horses on the exterior are reproductions. The originals are kept safe inside.
Love these videos 👌 so much learning
In the museum of Venice at the end of the piazza, there is the enormous toes of a stone foot, possibly from the giant statue of Constantine, that he had carved. The statue was supposed to be 90 ft ? tall. Judging by the size of the foot, I would quite believe it. There is a distinct lack of water in your video of St Marco. In 2019 the water bubbled up across the square as the tide came in. A great book by Richard Fidler discusses the history and sacking of Constantinople by Venice. It’s a weird feeling visiting museums around the world and realising everything was stolen.
Very interesting, just like all your videos!
You actually going to these places and recording footage really makes your videos stand out.
You’re so wonderful, Toldindstone guy!
Great video!!!
love your channel
Great video, thank you.
Very interesting - I wish I’d paid more attention years ago when I was there.
was in venice in the spring. excellent video!
One of your best!
Another great video.
I wonder what the 2000 years from now version of toldinstone will be saying 😂
This monument previously called “the statute of liberty” was taken from the the fallen empire known to historians as “America” and placed in this Belgium plaza in 2803AD.
Depends on how we handle Africa’s largest export: Africans.
Super cool lecture thanks 🙏
I live next to Venice but never heard most of these info! I do feel ignorant but thanks for sharing, I really appreciate and enjoy your content
What a crazy good video
Wow thats super cool! When were you in Venice? I happened to be there last Saturday! I don't suppose you'll be in Naples next week, will you? Haha
Rite of Conquest. The old rules.
Excellent video. I knew the story of four horses and the winged lion statues before but didn't know anything about the stonework taken from Istanbul shaped the architecture of Venice. Fascinating topic that makes me wanna visit Venice asap.
Cheers from Türkiye.
Taken from Constantipolis as at those times it was called Those artifacts that were stolen were made by the Greco-Romans
Venezia ❤ che bella 😍 la mia città ❤❤❤ nice short documentary thanks 👍
I went to tour of Venice recently, and was astounded by what the tour guide said. In describing the treasures sacked from Constantinople she proudly stated that the Venetians “won” the 4th Crusade. The Byzantine emperors had asked the west to send them aid. Besieging and sacking Constantinople was not a victory. It was a betrayal of the empire that was defending Christendom from Islam.
Thank you for making this video! I am fascinated by the spoila used to decorate St. Marco’s. There are so many stories that could be told of the artifacts that were taken from during the 4th Crusade.
They stole everything they could the 4th crusade.......
Just imagine how beautiful Constantinople would have looked had it not been sacked and survived to this day. So much history and beauty lost to barbarian greed.
The intro really hits.
venice is beautiful
T I S.....always, always interesting. THANKYOU
That last quote showed such melancholy acceptance.
Absolutely wonderful. Love all your videos. Where did the figures who toll the bell in Venice originate? Pete, Newcastle, Australia.
If you refer to the "Moors", I think their origin is unknown. Adelaide, Australia 😉
I looked them up and found that they’re actually European shepherds. Don’t know when they were cast.
Crazy to think this is the same city that conspired with the Mongols to wipe out all competition in the area. The venetians always served themselves
There's an old saying,
"We're Venetians first; Christians second."
All empires, kingdoms, and nation states are self-serving.
@@khalidalali186 I wish Europeans would stop acting like they were homogenous since the dawn of time and realize they destroyed each other more often than not before their 20 century idea of nationalism infected all areas of their judgement.
So cool.
Could you do a video on roman architecture cannon ?
Great!!
My copy of the new book is on pre-order!😎🔥⚔
Good timing with the History of Byzantium Podcast, who was just talking about some of those statues. Is that what inspired your topic?
No, just a lucky coincidence!
Venice: We acknowledge you as emperor!
Constantinople: Why do I hear boss music?
such porphyry, much colums, wow
also Genoa has many stuff from Constantinople
Good sailors , better theives.
I'd always heard Venice was founded by refugees from the Hun sack of Aquilea in the 5th century ?
I’d love to visit Venice :)
that napoleon pops up everywhere!
I can add a couple of facts about Venice: There was a third, gigantic column supposed to be erected between the other 2, but it was so heavy that the transporting barge couldn't deliver it to the Piazzetta and let it sink to a short distance from its supposed final destination. Obviously it is still under the waves. Venezia was indeed inhabited by people from Altino, on the mainland, who were scared by the Barbaric invasions, but there where already dwellers on many islands, and even a luxurious Roman Villa in Torcello. Somehow, the new colonists became pirates and bandits very quickly, and they terrorized the people around Ravenna, who were rich because of the salt trade. They plundered them and kidnapped many people to sell them as slaves. Same destiny was shared by Istria, Croazia and, really, many Adriatic shores, but the city which suffered the most was Aquileia, a major center in the late antiquity, which was suffucated by the Venetians. They even took its patriarch who was compelled to reside in San Marco from then on, to be manipulated by the mighty Dogi...This is the origin of this city might, now in full decadence, even if it is still the MARVEL that she is...
ahahah so weird, you drop this video as soon as I left Venice city
On Medieval Venice and the Italian Communal politics and warfare in general I strongly recommend Schwerpunkt's videos series
subscribed for months but not in my feed
Interesting
U hit a home run with this one.
NB: The lion came from the 🇦🇲Armenian kingdom of Cilicia
cool
The lick
Constantinople became the capital of the Roman Empire during the reign of Constantine the Great in 330. Constantinople remained the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire up to the late 15th century! The empire never referred to themselves as the Byzantine empire only the Germans called the Eastern Empire this derogatory name.
Cool
Blue from OSP is screaming right now
so ancient
1:28 That's Baldwin the First of Jerusalem. You're off by about a century and 700 miles.
You know, I'm sure Venice is very nice and I plan to go there sooner rather than later, but watching this makes it hard for me not to imagine Venice's modern issues with flooding as some kind of divine retribution for what they did to the Romans/Byzantines. The waters lapping at Venice are, after all, those of the Mediterranean (and once Roman) Sea.
Lovely video, cheers Garett.
venice was roman
If that were the case then all of Europe would be flooded
Byzantines had it coming
Very interesting, but isn't that Baldwin I part of the first crusade and King of Jerusalem at 1:29?
Lost count of how many times I cracked my cranium passing under the bridges.😂😂😂😂😅😅. gotta really watch out for those high tides .😅😅😅
Wooow
Who did the drawing at 7:52 it’s luscious 🤤 pls reply
The alleged remains of St. Mark, yes the evangelist, which they also stole/saved from somewhere, is also buried there.
There is nothing hidden in this story, it has always been taught in all Italian schools.
Yeah, like 🤔 I was expecting so much more, cuz boy, there's a lot hidden about this city's past, it was once the mightiest power in the enterity of Europe.
being an american sure is depressing a large country of nothing but roads parking lots and fields of corn
Pathetic. Also large void plastic thematic parks
Those corn fields fed a hell of a lot of poor Europeans -- both the millions of migrants themselves, but also their families in the old country who survived on the money sent home.
But yeah, it's a shame that we've been rich for 200+ years and the best we've got to show for it is... Chicago's skyline? DC's monuments?
@@mikesmith2057i have to be honest with you, from my italian pov i think those historic skyscrapers and skylines are fucking awesome, interesting and not really comparable to anything we have here, the grass is always greener on the other side.
Why were the heads of Venetian merchants and that naval captain placed there? Was it a punishment of some sort?
How have I never realized that the toldinstone intro is basically The Lick?
💯👍👍👍
Turkiye is on a mission to get most of the ancient items taken from its lands returned..thus far they have been very successful in doing so. I doubt these items shown here will be overlooked. Eventually I expect they will be repatriated to their home of Constantinople/Istanbul.