The Republic of Venice. From the late 12th century onward, it would dominate the eastern Mediterranean, with influences extending to the western Mediterranean and as far as England, Bruges in Belgium, and Germany. It was a model for trade (the true soul of Venice), diplomacy (the Republic’s legendary cunning), politics (the Republic’s celebrated stability and its libertarian, proto-democratic regime), military (mastery of the seas), manufacturing (the ships of the Arsenal, glass, and ropes), industry, art, and culture. The Republic lasted a remarkable 11 centuries!
