Andrea Dandolo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
His Serenity
Andrea Dandolo
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Grosso of Andrea Dandolo
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| 54th Doge of Venice | |
| In office 1343 – 7 September 1354 |
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| Preceded by | Bartolomeo Gradenigo |
| Succeeded by | Marino Faliero |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1306 |
| Died | 7 September 1354 (aged 47–48) Republic of Venice |
| Resting place | St Mark's Basilica |
| Alma mater | University of Padua |
Andrea Dandolo (1306 – 7 September 1354) was an important leader in Venice. He was elected the 54th Doge of Venice in 1343. A Doge was like the chief magistrate or ruler of the Republic of Venice. Andrea Dandolo took over after Bartolomeo Gradenigo passed away in late 1342.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Power
Andrea Dandolo came from a very old and powerful family in Venice, the Dandolo family. This family was important in Venetian politics for many years. They produced four Doges, and Andrea was the last one. They also had many admirals and other famous citizens.
Andrea Dandolo studied history and law at the University of Padua. He even became a law professor there. He was very smart and started his public career early. In 1331, when he was only 25 years old, he became a "procurator of St. Mark's Basilica". This was a high-ranking position, showing how respected he was.
Andrea Dandolo as Doge
Andrea Dandolo became Doge in 1343 when he was 37. He was known for supporting the arts and making Venice more beautiful. He added the Chapel of San Isidoro to St Mark's Basilica. He also oversaw changes to the famous Pala d'Oro and improved the Baptistery.
He worked to update Venice's laws. In 1346, he created a new legal system that brought all the laws together. Andrea Dandolo was also friends with the famous poet Petrarch. Petrarch described Dandolo as "a just man, honest, full of passion and love for his country, educated, eloquent, wise, friendly, and kind."
Challenges During His Rule
Andrea Dandolo's time as Doge was very difficult. Venice faced many problems:
- Natural Disasters: On January 25, 1348, a strong earthquake hit Venice. It caused many deaths and destroyed buildings. People at the time believed it also caused the terrible Black Death to spread.
- The Black Death: This terrible plague lasted until 1350. Between 1348 and 1350, about one-third of Venice's population died.
- Wars: Venice also had a tough war with the Hungarians. This happened after the city of Zadar rebelled against Venice in 1345. Genoa, another powerful city, joined the Hungarians. Genoa sent a strong navy led by Paganino Doria into the Adriatic Sea. This fleet attacked Venetian lands and even threatened Venice itself. Luckily, Venice won a big naval battle at Lojera in 1353, which saved the city.
Andrea Dandolo was the last Doge to be buried inside St Mark's Basilica.
Writings
Andrea Dandolo also wrote two history books about Venice in Latin. These books covered the history of Venice from its early days up to his own time. They are important sources for understanding Venetian history.
See Also
