War, Communication, and the Politics of Culture in Early Modern Venice

This book explores how war and colonial expansion shaped seventeenth-century Venetian culture and society, challenging conventional assumptions about republicanism, commercial peace, and cross-cultural exchange. It argues that the Venetian-Ottoman War of the Morea (1684-1699) was mediated through cultural mechanisms of elite domination, revealing the militarization of the Venetian public sphere and the connections between foreign policies and domestic power politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of cultural history and critical imperial studies, unveiling the profound impact of war and colonial expansion on seventeenth-century Venetian culture and society. Through her meticulous research, Anastasia Stouraiti challenges prevailing notions about republicanism, commercial peace, and cross-cultural exchange, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the Republic of Venice. By seamlessly integrating the history of communication with the conquest and empire-building in the Mediterranean, she presents an original interpretation of the politics of knowledge in wartime Venice.

The book argues that the Venetian-Ottoman War of the Morea (1684-1699) was intricately mediated through a diverse array of cultural mechanisms of patrician elite domination, orchestrating the creation of widespread consent among the populace. It sheds valuable light on the militarization of the Venetian public sphere, unveiling the interconnectedness between bellicose foreign policies and domestic power politics within this renowned state, often celebrated as the epitome of a serene republic of merchants.

In this comprehensive exploration, Stouraiti uncovers the complex interplay between cultural heritage, political power, and societal dynamics, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the Venetian experience during this pivotal period. Her work not only contributes to our knowledge of early modern history but also offers valuable insights into the broader themes of empire, resistance, and the construction of national identities.

Weight: 611g
ISBN-13: 9781108838443