Venetian Stories
A podcast of Venetian Stories — episodes from the History of Venice from the time of Augustus until today. It is not a chronological narrative, but a series of freestanding episodes from the two millennia of Venetian history. However, for newcomers, the first few episodes are a quick-paced chronological narrative of the most important events. Start there, even if you arrive later. Podcast sponsored by History Walks Venice.
Episode 29 — The Lombard Invasion
The Lombard invasion of Byzantine Italy in 568 was a pivotal event in Venetian history, as it kicked off the movement towards a distinct Venetian society, culture and, ultimately, state.
Episode 28 — The early sources
The principal primary sources for the earliest period of Venice are not many, but their history is rather messy.
Episode 27 — Cassiodorus
A letter to the people of the lagoons from the Ostrogoth government, from 537.
Episode 26 — Sewage
A short episode on sewage, faeces, pits, tubes, and that kind of sh*t.
Episode 25 — The Venetian Carnival
Pigs and bulls lose in the alleyways, wooden castles smashed with maces, human towers and funambulists. The Venetian carnival was quite unlike the modern replica.
Episode 24 — Festa delle Marie
A tale of pirates, maidens, box-makers, oranges, and ancient promises being kept for centuries, but others not so much.
Episode 23 — Venice treacle — the cure-all remedy
Venice produced and exported Theriac, an ancient wonder medicine for just about every ailment imaginable. It was a flourishing business for centuries, and an important part of the Venetian economy.
Episode 22 — Happy New Year
Happy New Year, even if two months early.
Episode 21 — The Plague Doctor
The well-known image of the plague doctor with the beaked mask doesn't really have a lot of support in our sources. Did he even exist?
Episode 20 — Venice and the plague – part 4
The plague slowly diminished during the 1700s, even if it didn't disappear, and Venice reorganised the Lazzaretti.
