Venice, Italy

The Modern and Authentic System of Universal Geography(1810) by George Alexander Cooke Esq

The duchy of Venice rose from very small beginnings to great consequence. That cluster of little islands where the city of Venice now sands, was originally inhabited only by fishermen: but when Italy was invaded first by Alaric, the Goth and afterwards by Atali, the Hun, great numbers of the people fled thither for shelter with all their wealth. From that time a city gradually rose, grew powerful from its situation, and opulent from commerce. A republic as formed; trade furnished the people with riches, riches gave birth to ambition, ambition urged them to conquest and conquest procured them additional territories.

Venice the capital of the duchy is one of the finest cities in the world; and certainly the most singular, with respect to its situation; being built on piles, in the midst of shallows, called the Lagunes. The great canal which divides the city is generally about an hundred paces over.

The Piazza di St Marco is the only open area in Venice large enough for a considerable number of people to assemble in, and walk about at their ease. This being the only place of public resort, there is a great variety of objects assembled in it. In the evening it is crowed with all sorts of people; and in fine weather numbers pass the greatest part of the night there.

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