The Doge's Web: How Marriage Shaped Power in Venice

A web of power spun with silk threads of marriage. This web was woven in the heart of Venice, a city-state that lasted for over a thousand years. The Venetian Republic, known for its innovation and trading prowess, was led by a special ruler called a doge. But who decided who became this doge? That's where the patrician families come in. These families were the elite, and they made sure their kids married into other elite families. This way, they kept power within their small group. It's like they had a secret club, and the only way to join was to marry into it. By doing this, they controlled the government, making sure it stayed in their hands. But how did this marriage web start? It all began with the families who became patrician first. They set the foundation, and the rest followed. This marriage strategy helped Venice stay stable and successful for a long time.