Full Description
The Renaissance was a revolution of ideas, arts and sciences alike, with Italy at its center. Venice was among the first states to embrace new concepts in fortification, which would dominate military architecture for centuries. In the age of large galley fleets and an expanding Ottoman Empire, the mighty defenses of the Republic of Venice protected faraway territories in the Mediterranean, and some of the largest and best preserved Renaissance fortifications are found on the former Venetian islands.
This book illustrates in detail the impressive defenses of Cyprus, Crete and Corfu, their design and their war record. Walled towns and fortresses were constructed to the latest standards of military technology, with walls capable of withstanding the largest armies and the longest sieges, including the longest in history--22 years.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments deletevii
List of Figures deleteix
Foreword by Elisabetta Molteni
Introduction
Part I. The Republic of Venice
1—Venice and the Sea
2—The Venetian Strategy of Defense
3—The Art of Fortification in the Renaissance
Part II. The Island of Cyprus
4—Nicosia
5—Famagosta
6—Cerines
Part III. The Island of Crete
7—Candia
8—Canea
9—Retimo
Part IV. The Island of Corfu
10—Corfu
Part V. The Defenses Under Attack
11—The War of Cyprus, 1570-1574
12—The War of Candia, 1645-1669
13—The War of Morea, 1684-1699
14—The War of 1714-1718
Conclusion
Appendix I: Chronology
Appendix II: Glossary
Appendix III: Table of Architectural Features
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
