Sebastiano Ziani

Doge of Venice from 1172 to 1178
Sebastiano Ziani
The Doge Sebastiano Ziani disembarking from the Bucentaur for the Convent of Charity. Miniature.
Doge of Venice
In office
1172–1178
Personal details
BornUnknown
Died1178
Coat of arms of Sebastiano Ziani

Sebastiano Ziani was Doge of Venice from 1172 to 1178. He was one of the greatest planners of Venice.[1] [citation needed]

During his short term as Doge, Ziani divided the city-state into many districts. He realised that the government headquarters were too close to the shipyard. As such, they were affected by the noise from the shipyard. Ziani resolved this problem by donating a piece of land to the city-state and relocating the shipyard in it. One of the most notable changes he made to the city was in funding the construction of the Piazza San Marco. Projects included filling up Rio Batario that ran parallel to the Basilica San Marco which could be found at what is today the half way point of the Piazza. He paved the main square as well as the Piazzetta that it is connected to. Ziani hired an engineer to erect two columns (possibly of Greek origin) that lie at the head of the Piazzetta facing the lagoon.

He also hosted Pope Alexander III, the Emperor Frederick I, and the delegation of William II of Sicily for the signing of the Treaty of Venice in July 1177. The event was a massive point in Venetian history, providing it with an elevated view among the powerful of Europe and allowing for all to behold the wealth and extravagance of the republic.

Feeling imminent death, Sebastiano Ziani retired to S. Giorgio Maggiore, where he died three days later.

Ziani was married to a woman named Cecilia.[2]

References

  1. ^ Davis, John.Venice:A History at Google Books
  2. ^ Staley, Edgcumbe: The dogaressas of Venice : The wives of the doges. London : T. W. Laurie
Political offices
Preceded by
Vitale II Michele
Doge of Venice
1172–1178
Succeeded by
Orio Mastropiero
  • v
  • t
  • e
Doges of Venice
Byzantine period (697–737)
  • Paolo Lucio Anafesto
  • Marcello Tegalliano
  • Orso Ipato
Regime of the magistri militum (738–742)
  • Domenico Leoni
  • Felice Cornicola
  • Teodato Ipato
  • Jovian Ceparius
  • John Fabriacus
Ducal period (742–1148)
8th century
9th century
10th century
11th century
12th century
* deposed     † executed or assassinated     ‡ killed in battle     ♦ abdicated
Republican period (1148–1797)
12th century
13th century
14th century
15th century
16th century
17th century
18th century
Marino Faliero (1354–55) was convicted of treason, executed and condemned to damnatio memoriae
* Francesco Foscari (1423–57) was forced to abdicate by the Council of Ten
* Ludovico Manin (1789–97) was forced to abdicate by Napoleon leading to the Fall of the Republic of Venice
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
International
  • ISNI
  • VIAF
National
  • Germany
  • Vatican
People
  • Deutsche Biographie
Stub icon

This biography of an Italian noble is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

  • v
  • t
  • e