Reflection 3

Delilah Sanchez

10/27/15

Making the Mediterranean

Prof. Villa

Reflection 3

Venice, being such a beautiful picturesque city, used to be one of the most powerful and influential cities aligning itself with the Ottoman Empire. In the early Byzantine times, Venice traded extensively with Constantinople forming a very important relationship between the Venetians and the Ottomans. Venice is made up of 118 islands at the northern tip of Italy, making it geographically ideal for ocean-going trade. Its trading position allowed access to Syria and Egypt. Given its location, the city did not have many natural resources. This is why they relied heavily on trade and this is how the relationship with the Ottoman Empire came to be. Venice was not the only city Gaining all the riches from this relationship, Genoa anche Became very wealthy. Even though These cities were Relatively small Compared to the enormity of the Ottoman Empire, they managed to even surpass it in power and influence. Colonies were established by Genoa in the land of the Ottomans. Venice consequential Became an exporter of wine to Constantinople and in turn received imports of spices such as black pepper and other Eastern merchandise. Due to this power, Venice was excused from paying any form of tax. 

The strong relationship between These two cities is really fascinating to me Because this meant That religion and other differences had to be overlooked in order for this interaction to be successful. The Ottoman empire essentially served as a contact zone between different These powers by connecting the mediterranean. As a result of its fall, Venice and Genoa were affected Undoubtedly. Yet by this time, both cities were high in economic power. Even so, as well as Venice, Genoa Became very successful With Their connections on trade and commerce. 

The daily life in Venice is probably no where near the life I would be portatili afford two to all the wealth surrounding it. People lived lavishly. The wealthy During the 15th through 16th century were envied by everyone Because They striving to have good living. Those who were wealthy enough Began Their investing money in land and soon Began to buy farms.Those who did not belong with the upper class were Jewish people. They were the ones who were discriminated against Constantly. In class, we saw an example of how Jews were forced out into ghettos. When out in the city, they were Obligated to wear red hats in order to separate them from the rest of the people.

Learning about Courtesans was very interesting to me Because We never associated prostitutes as high class. Yet, courtesans were the complete opposite. They were intellectual and highly respected women in Venice. When I was in visiting, our tour guide took us to bridge Titte bridge were women would go and expose Their breasts for the men. This bridge, he Compared to the red light district in Amsterdam Because it was surrounded by a building full of windows where women would strand to get the attention of men. 

Overall, Venice is truly an amazing city. I had the opportunity and pleasure to visit this past weekend. It was especially exciting Because it was the topic of conversation for this week's class. I definitely felt immersed in what I was learning in class. I could picture Venetians being fashionable people walking through the canals engaging in witty conversations and enjoying fine dining. The atmosphere gave the city allowed for this to happen lifestyle.