The Hidden Ancient History of Venice 

Time for our daily thinking of the Roman Empire

I studied in Venice, and found the tetrarchs by pure mistake while my mother was visiting me. I knew about the tetrarchs and the statue, but was convinced it was either in Istanbul or in a museum. To find it inside a wall in a random corner tucked away from the plaza absolutely baffled me

I didn't know we had that account of the emperor's visit to the city, absolutely heartbreaking. Also didn't know that that lion was so incredibly ancient, and out in the open for millenia, wow.

So that winged lion was 1000 years old when it got there? That's crazy

Notably, Venice is one of the few cities, if not the only city in Italy, to have a Patriarch instead of a Bishop, recalling more of the Orthodox influence of Constantinople in Venice's ancient past over Rome, whose influence is more recent.

We were taught a lot in Art History about how design Venice was influenced by the East, but we were never versed in how much of it was structurally repurposed.

Interestingly the only former Roman state to play a large role in ending the Romans

I know you said a while back you were going on a trip to get footage but its really propelled your videos to top tier

Thank you for giving me a reason to revisit Venice.

Venice is so beautiful, one of those places that really live up to its hype. If you visit it it’s a good idea to visit the Doge’s palaces on Saint Mark square, inside it is simply magnificent. I also like to believe in the theory that saint Mark body, that was stolen from Alexandria by some Venetian merchants, is actually the body of Alexander the Great. And i love to think that all those artifacts that were stolen were preserved thanks to the fact that they were taken to Venice.😊

This was great! I have been to Venice and have toured this ancient Church and without this knowledge you can easily get overwhelmed with all of the 'history' that is laid out before your eyes. Now, knowing the background of some of this buildings details makes it all the more interesting than just a collection of 'old stuff'. What was once in my mind a curious short fat purple column is now an ancient resting place for severed heads. The winged lion from southern Anatolia that was already 1000 years old before it was relocated to it's current location (with a brief vacation to Paris) is much more interesting to me now. Thanks Garrett for bringing more value to these ancient relics.

Over 40 years ago, a group of us went there with our art history tutor. We mostly roamed about without a guide, finding amazing back streets with beautiful churches, and handcrafted locally produced goods, like the marbled paper shop. Very basic conditions. Lovely to be there. I remember being able to go up onto the stone walkways high up in St Marks, and be able to see the mosaics up close, the gold behind the glass. Dangerous as there was just a low stone bannister around them.

Keep up the great work, Garrett 👍

As a greek who sometimes feels sad about his lost roman identity, but in love with Italy and after having visited Venice I have a lot of mixed feelings after watching this video

Everybody stealing from each other. Constantinople/Istanbul is also loaded with stolen stuff. 'I' m glad these ancient wonders still exist and that toldinstone is here to help us keep score. Great video. Thanks.

I spent a few hours near or in San Marco when I was 19 -- it would have blown my mind to know how many historical artifacts are there.

I visited Venice for the third time a few months ago, and I had no idea of its history and connection to Constantinople and the eastern ancient Roman empire in their intentional decor to connect themselves with something ancient because Venice really was never part of the ancient Roman empire. Fascinating and I know that having that education before your visit just makes your visit that much more enjoyable, and meaningful.. More on Venice, please!

Thank you for a great video on Lombardi/Western Roman Venice. I always enjoy your videos and the fascinating content. I always wondered why "Rome" kept getting reincarnated sack after sack? Where was the difference between "Rome"(as in Rome) and then the "Western Roman Empire" and then Holy Eastern Roman Empire? I guess it's like you said, "it was a system that worked" so they gave it another do-over.

I think of the Roman Empire hourly. And why didn't Caesar heed the warning signs before he walked into the Senate House. (Last part probably weekly) And I think about "Toldinstone " of course! 😊

TOLDINSTONE RULES

If only the Venetians had been as assiduous at preserving the books of Constantinople as its columns.

Interesting and brief please consider making part 2 and 3, on Venice and the ancient items.

Great video!!!

I was in Venice in April 2022 with a friend. My second visit. St. Mark's is a must. Thanks for pointing out some of the hidden history of the basilica and its surroundings. I knew about the connection between Venice and the Byzantines. I also took time to visit Ravenna to see the early examples of Byzantine mosaics in the churches there. I was surprised to find the churches smaller than I had anticipated. One detail to point out, the 4 horses on the exterior are reproductions. The originals are kept safe inside.

Loving the channel, loving the content! Keep up the good, hard work. Much appreciated, ToldInStone.

Love these videos 👌 so much learning

Just got the new book today, loving it!! I read it your voice, and... it is perfect. Thank you!!!

love your channel

Los datos históricos y entretelones de la Historia de Venecia y la conformación de la maravillosa San Marcos, no los he encontrado ni en libros, ni en mis varias visitas a tan increíble ciudad. Definitivamente para mí, que soy una viajera, es la mas bella ciudad del mundo que yo conozco, y la Plaza de San Marcos es quizá la mas hermosa de ese período histórico. Felicitaciones y gracias por un gran trabajo...

Super cool lecture thanks 🙏

LOVE the new book. Thank you!

Great video, thank you.

Always here for Hidden History ;)

Another great video.

Very interesting, just like all your videos!

I wish I had known more when I visited Venice years ago.

What a crazy good video

In the museum of Venice at the end of the piazza, there is the enormous toes of a stone foot, possibly from the giant statue of Constantine, that he had carved. The statue was supposed to be 90 ft ? tall. Judging by the size of the foot, I would quite believe it. There is a distinct lack of water in your video of St Marco. In 2019 the water bubbled up across the square as the tide came in. A great book by Richard Fidler discusses the history and sacking of Constantinople by Venice. It’s a weird feeling visiting museums around the world and realising everything was stolen.

Well made and erudite as always, these are all beautiful fascinating artifacts, quite famous and well-known, there are a number of stories and legends and trivia about them, but I didn't knew about the head of la Carmagnola being the head of emperor Justinian. Thanks!!

One of your best!

Wow thats super cool! When were you in Venice? I happened to be there last Saturday! I don't suppose you'll be in Naples next week, will you? Haha

La Fenice had a concert for the 1600th anniversary of the city a few years ago.

You’re so wonderful, Toldindstone guy!

Very interesting - I wish I’d paid more attention years ago when I was there.

was in venice in the spring. excellent video!

Julius Caesar: “I love this channel”

You actually going to these places and recording footage really makes your videos stand out.

I wonder what the 2000 years from now version of toldinstone will be saying 😂

Thank you for making this video! I am fascinated by the spoila used to decorate St. Marco’s. There are so many stories that could be told of the artifacts that were taken from during the 4th Crusade.

I live next to Venice but never heard most of these info! I do feel ignorant but thanks for sharing, I really appreciate and enjoy your content

Absolutely wonderful. Love all your videos. Where did the figures who toll the bell in Venice originate? Pete, Newcastle, Australia.

I went to tour of Venice recently, and was astounded by what the tour guide said. In describing the treasures sacked from Constantinople she proudly stated that the Venetians “won” the 4th Crusade. The Byzantine emperors had asked the west to send them aid. Besieging and sacking Constantinople was not a victory. It was a betrayal of the empire that was defending Christendom from Islam.

"Imported" is a strange description for "looted".

So cool.

Excellent video. I knew the story of four horses and the winged lion statues before but didn't know anything about the stonework taken from Istanbul shaped the architecture of Venice. Fascinating topic that makes me wanna visit Venice asap. Cheers from Türkiye.

Great!!

Video's like this are changing the nature of travel and tourism... Travelers can now be much better informed when they explore the 'old world'... and they no longer need to join a group-tour just so they can have someone explain the significance of what they are seeing...

The intro really hits.

I'd always heard Venice was founded by refugees from the Hun sack of Aquilea in the 5th century ?

Crazy to think this is the same city that conspired with the Mongols to wipe out all competition in the area. The venetians always served themselves

Rite of Conquest. The old rules.

Good sailors , better theives.

Venezia ❤ che bella 😍 la mia città ❤❤❤ nice short documentary thanks 👍

T I S.....always, always interesting. THANKYOU

I can add a couple of facts about Venice: There was a third, gigantic column supposed to be erected between the other 2, but it was so heavy that the transporting barge couldn't deliver it to the Piazzetta and let it sink to a short distance from its supposed final destination. Obviously it is still under the waves. Venezia was indeed inhabited by people from Altino, on the mainland, who were scared by the Barbaric invasions, but there where already dwellers on many islands, and even a luxurious Roman Villa in Torcello. Somehow, the new colonists became pirates and bandits very quickly, and they terrorized the people around Ravenna, who were rich because of the salt trade. They plundered them and kidnapped many people to sell them as slaves. Same destiny was shared by Istria, Croazia and, really, many Adriatic shores, but the city which suffered the most was Aquileia, a major center in the late antiquity, which was suffucated by the Venetians. They even took its patriarch who was compelled to reside in San Marco from then on, to be manipulated by the mighty Dogi...This is the origin of this city might, now in full decadence, even if it is still the MARVEL that she is...

Good timing with the History of Byzantium Podcast, who was just talking about some of those statues. Is that what inspired your topic?

That last quote showed such melancholy acceptance.

My copy of the new book is on pre-order!😎🔥⚔

also Genoa has many stuff from Constantinople

venice is beautiful

ahahah so weird, you drop this video as soon as I left Venice city

such porphyry, much colums, wow

Could you do a video on roman architecture cannon ?

Venice: We acknowledge you as emperor! Constantinople: Why do I hear boss music?

that napoleon pops up everywhere!

subscribed for months but not in my feed

Interesting

Constantinople became the capital of the Roman Empire during the reign of Constantine the Great in 330. Constantinople remained the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire up to the late 15th century! The empire never referred to themselves as the Byzantine empire only the Germans called the Eastern Empire this derogatory name.

cool

On Medieval Venice and the Italian Communal politics and warfare in general I strongly recommend Schwerpunkt's videos series

U hit a home run with this one. NB: The lion came from the 🇦🇲Armenian kingdom of Cilicia

The alleged remains of St. Mark, yes the evangelist, which they also stole/saved from somewhere, is also buried there.

The lick

Lost count of how many times I cracked my cranium passing under the bridges.😂😂😂😂😅😅. gotta really watch out for those high tides .😅😅😅

Cool

You always manage to pick out the most obscure bits of history. Thanks for the great content.

I’d love to visit Venice :)

There is nothing hidden in this story, it has always been taught in all Italian schools.

You know, I'm sure Venice is very nice and I plan to go there sooner rather than later, but watching this makes it hard for me not to imagine Venice's modern issues with flooding as some kind of divine retribution for what they did to the Romans/Byzantines. The waters lapping at Venice are, after all, those of the Mediterranean (and once Roman) Sea. Lovely video, cheers Garett.

Blue from OSP is screaming right now

so ancient

I've never seen how they drove the many thousands of wood pilings into the mud.

being an american sure is depressing a large country of nothing but roads parking lots and fields of corn

Wooow

It doesn't seem so grand for Venice after all, once you realize it was all lifted from somewhere else.

How have I never realized that the toldinstone intro is basically The Lick?

Evidently British cartoon showing Napoleon robbing classical artefacts. Laughs in British Museum

"Stolen" by Napoleon, but not by the Venetians? Double-standard much?

Oh yeah. Big marble city on literal logs in the water history time

Sure, Venice stole a lot of stuff during the Fourth Crusade, but on the other hand they stayed with the Empire to the very end. One of the last defenders of Constantinople were Venetian soldiers.