The Merchants of Venice: Business and Commerce in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

Venice is known for the magnificent palaces that line its canals and the dazzling paintings that adorn its churches. But where did the money come from to create and purchase this beauty? Historian Dennis Romano, author of Venice: The Remarkable History of the Lagoon City, explores the commercial and business history of the Most Serene Republic. He uncovers the multiple keys to Venetian business greatness in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and examines the panoply of skills it took to be a successful merchant of Venice. He also considers the impact of commerce on the city’s life and culture and the lingering influence of Venetian trade.