The History of Venice

The city of Venice expanded in size and influence up until 1348 when the first of two great plagues halved the city's population.

But Venice's fortunes soon returned, as it led the four great powers of the Mediterranean Sea: the Republic of Amalfi; Genoa; and La Spezia. 

During the next 300 years Venice enjoyed unprecedented wealth and influence under the Repubblica Serenissima di Venezia, a system of government close to modern democracy, but ruled by the Doge.