Venice is slowly starting to take shape. Already semi-autonomous from the Byzantine Empire, and with Doges now in place, the Venetians begin to assert themselves in international politics and trade. But when the Carolingian Empire sweeps into Italy, they have to tread a delicate diplomatic tightrope, while still working out what sort of nation they want to be. Blindings, defenestrations and beheadings await the unwary as Venice strives to find its place among some powerful and acquisitive neighbours.

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