I recently read a very informational yet interesting book this week called “Venice, History of the Floating City” written by Joanne M. Ferraro. Linked below if anyone is interested in reading it. All of my research has been done by reading this book.
The beginning and description of the book reads:
“This book is a sweeping historical portrait of the floating city of Venice from its foundations to the present day. Joanne M. Ferraro considers Venice’s unique construction within an amphibious environment and identifies the Asian, European, and North African exchange networks that made it a vibrant and ethnically diverse Mediterranean cultural center. Incorporating recent scholarly insights, the author discusses key themes related to the city’s social, cultural, religious, and environmental history, as well as its politics and economy. A refuge and a pilgrim stop; an international emporium and center of manufacture; a mecca of spectacle, theater, music, gambling, and an artistic and architectural marvel. Venice’s allure springs eternal in every phase of the city’s fascinating history.”
Venice’s Beginnings:
The Venice first began in the sixth-century by fishing people who lived on huts raised on stilts in the middle of the marshy waters of the lagoon area in the Adriatic Sea. They earned their living by using the Roman waterways around the lagoons selling fish and salt in exchange for timber. They used this timber to construct boats and later merchant galleys.
Construction of what we now know as the city of Venice began in 421. Early construction workers excavated canals using mud to raise the level of the land. From there many other Venetian colonies slowly grew around the outside, but the main central zone of the city, San Marco was what really grew first. The Basilica San Marco was also built quickly after.
By 1100 the Venetian’s had constructed almost seventy island perishes. The builders took great efforts to make sure that the natural flow of the tide was not disturbed and also doubled as their sewage system. In the end, Venice and its many islands resembled a fish.
The elite type of family is one that dominated the early city of Venice. Families such as the Participazi, Orio and Gradenigo. The parish’s (islands) of Venice were essentially family estates, clustered into blocks with enclosed courtyards cut off from any pedestrian traffic. Clients of the most powerful elites lived near the estates and any regular humble folk lived behind them. Each parish accommodated two main modes of transportation, water craft and foot traffic. Wealthy families owned private gondola’s and other small flat-bottom boats for carrying supplies.
Today, Venice is home to about 55,000 people and is a large tourist site for thousands of tourists in all seasons.
Checkout this Youtube Video by Alux.com for some more fun interesting facts about Venice, and don’t forget to follow me on twitter for more about travel and Italy!!
Alexie Johnston 
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