Early Medieval Venice (Studies in Medieval History and Culture) by Luigi Andrea Berto

Author:Luigi Andrea Berto [Berto, Luigi Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2020-08-01T22:00:00+00:00

5 Emperor Otto III in Venice

Immediately after mentioning Peter II Orseolo’s election as duke, John the Deacon emphasizes that the new ruler was not only able to restore internal peace and to create the conditions for a rich and powerful Venice,1 but was also able to establish peaceful relationships with the major powers in Italy and the Mediterranean.2 The chronicler adds that the duke created special ties with the German ruler Otto III, to the point that he managed to obtain anything he wanted from him.3 Otto III’s visit to Venice in 1001 was further proof of the great esteem in which he held Peter II Orseolo.

According to the Istoria Veneticorum, the only source mentioning this episode, while the duke was in Dalmatia with the Venetian fleet, John the Deacon heard that Otto III was coming to Italy and, therefore, decided to meet him in Como in order to pay homage to him.4 The emperor secretly told the Venetian ambassador that because he had a great affection for Peter II Orseolo and wished to enjoy the presence and wisdom of such a great man, he wanted to meet him in Venice.5 Otto III’s wish pleased the Venetian duke who, however, did not believe that such a visit could be kept secret.6 After several exchanges of messages through John the Deacon, plans were made for the emperor’s trip to Venice while he was in Ravenna.7 The German ruler went to the monastery of St. Mary of Pomposa, which was near the mouth of the Po River, telling his men that he wanted to spend a few days there. The Venetian ambassador picked him and the members of his retinue in Pomposa and took them to Rivoalto, where they arrived at night.8 Peter II Orseolo welcomed them in a church near the ducal palace and told Otto III that if he wished to visit the monastery of St. Zachary, he had to do so right away so he could get to the ducal palace before sunrise. The German ruler, who was wearing modest clothing in order not to be recognized, followed this suggestion. While he was staying in a tower of the palace,9 his companions met the duke at St. Mark and told him that Otto III was at Pomposa, making sure that all the persons who were present there could hear this.10 Peter II Orseolo did not stay for too long with the emperor and showed himself in public during the day in order to avoid suspicions.11 At night he visited Otto III in the tower to dine and talk to him.12 During his visit, Otto III also established a spiritual relationship with Peter II Orseolo (he became the godfather of one of the duke’s daughters),13 thus further emphasizing the friendly bonds between them. As during their first encounter, an atmosphere of great affection characterized the emperor’s departure: the two men, indeed, were in tears and kissed each other.

Because they [Duke Peter II Orseolo and Emperor Otto III] could not see

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