SOURCE3 Venetian nobles were not allowed to call their home a palace. They had to call it a ca’ , short for casa , a house.
5.5.2 Shipbuilding In order to trade, the Venetians built large ships or galleys. Shipbuilding was so important to the economy that it was controlled by the government. By 1560, Venice was the largest industrial site in Europe, employing over 2000 workers. The Venetians used standardised parts for easy replacement. In times of emergency, a ship could be built very quickly. In 1570, 100 ships were built in two months. Because shipbuilding was so important, the craftsmen were given special pay and conditions. This included ceremonial roles like being bodyguards to the head of the Republic of Venice. However, the arsenalotti , as they were known, were not allowed to leave Venice, because they might share the secrets of Venetian shipbuilding.
SOURCE4 A Spanish visitor’s description of a Venetian ship filled with supplies
Out came a galley towed by a boat and from the windows they handed rope from one, bread from another, arms from another . . . and when the galley reached the end . . . all the necessary men were on board.
5.5.3 The Republic of Venice Venice was a republic from 1297 until 1797, when the city surrendered to Napoleon. During this period, Venetians enjoyed relative political stability. In 1297, a law was passed declaring that only men whose families had their name in the Book of Gold were eligible for political office. Although they were called nobles, these men earned their income from trade. All eligible men over the age of 30 were expected to sit in the Great Council when they were in Venice. The Great Council was the first level of Venetian government. Its main function was to elect the other councils. The Venetian government was made up of several councils, each with its own function.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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