Memory and Propaganda in Venice after the Fourth Crusade

Abstract

By examining the first Venetian chronicle written after the Fourth Crusade, the Historia ducum Venetorum (1102–1229), this article shows how the Venetian ruling elites wanted to present their recent past. In particular, it proves that the author of that work and probably many of his fellow countrymen wished to point out that the Venetians gave fundamental support toward the defense and strengthening of the Kingdom of Jerusalem without expecting any material reward. Moreover, the Venetians had always been good friends and allies of the Byzantines, and the deterioration of this relationship and the conquest of Constantinople had to be attributed to the irresponsible behavior and ingratitude of the Byzantine emperors. By distorting or omitting a few events, they also wanted to demonstrate that Venice always enjoyed a perfect internal harmony and, therefore, represented an ideal society.