The Origin of Venice According to the City’s Chronicle Tradition and the “Venetian Myth”

Venice's self-perception as a unique island state with a glorious past, rooted in myth and chronicle traditions from the 10th to the 20th century, was solidified by the 16th century. This study reveals how Venice strategically 'appropriated' its ancient origins—linking itself to Trojan foundations and imperial heritage—to construct a powerful cultural narrative. The 'Venetian Myth' emphasized its unparalleled geographic location, economic dominance as a global trade hub, innovative republican governance, and artistic prestige. Through analysis of historiographic and artistic sources, the research demonstrates how this myth evolved from humble beginnings during the Migration Period into a complex ideological framework that persisted even after the fall of the republic in 1797.

Levochskaya, M. V. (2017). The Origin of Venice According to the City’s Chronicle Tradition and the “Venetian Myth”. Observatory of Culture, 14(5), 585–593. https://doi.org/10.25281/2072-3156-2017-14-5-585-593