Venetian Governors in Istria during the Second Half of the 15th and the Early 16th Century (1450-1520)

Abstract

This paper examines and analyses the role, mobility, and networking of Venetian governors in Istrian towns and estates during the second half of the 15th and the early 16 th century. Based on the doge’s instructions, the authors provide an overview of the powers, duties, and remuneration of these  governors. Using the databases The Rulers of Venice
and TOPOS, the paper investigates the positions held by the administrators of selected Istrian cities and towns before and after their tenure, and whether they predominantly rotated among Istrian cities and towns or also held other positions within the Venetian Stato da mar or on the mainland  (Terraferma). The study explores whether there was any
regularity or pattern in allocating the office of podestà in Istria, where these individuals were subsequently appointed, whether members of their families also held positions in these cities and towns, and why the podestà office was frequently refused in certain locations.