History of Venice Podcast

As the Lombards sweep through the north-east of Italy, some of the inhabitants of the Byzantine province of Venetia retreat to form new permanent settlements on the islands of the long, narrow coastal lagoon. The foundation stone of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello dates from 639AD, giving us the first evidence of permanent buildings in the scattered settlements that will eventually coalesce to form the city of Venice. All music in this podcast is used under Creative

After travelling through the foundation myths of the city in the last episode, this week we are peering into the dense fog of history to find the earliest real traces of life in the lagoon. Join us as we navigate our way through Goths and Huns, look for omens in the flight of birds, and encounter the worst decade in human history.Music used under Creative Commons licence from Musopen.org

The medieval Venetians loved to tell the story of the foundation of their city -- and everyone told the story slightly differently. This episode is a little different from what our usual format will be, with Jess asking Simon about the history of the city's foundation myth.Intro music used under Creative Commons licence from musopen.org.

A short introductory episode for the History of Venice Podcast previewing what's coming up. Intro music used under Creative Commons licence from Musopen.org