Girolamo Corner facts for kids
Girolamo Corner (born June 25, 1632 – died October 1, 1690) was a brave nobleman and leader from the Republic of Venice. He held important military jobs during the Morean War. This was a big fight against the Ottoman Empire. Girolamo led Venetian forces to capture key cities. These included Castelnuovo and Knin in Dalmatia. He also helped take Monemvasia in Greece, and Valona and Kanina in Albania.
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Girolamo's Early Life and Family
Girolamo Corner was born in Venice on June 25, 1632. He was one of four sons of Andrea Corner and Morosina Morosini. His family, the House of Corner, was very important in Venice. Girolamo married Cornelia Corner. They had five sons together.
Becoming a Leader in Venice
Girolamo started his career in politics in a typical way. He was chosen twice for the Savi agli Ordini in 1657 and 1659. This role helped young nobles learn about public service. He then worked in financial jobs. He was part of the Ufficiali alle Cazude and the Ufficiali ai Dieci Uffici. He also served as a health commissioner.
In 1666, Girolamo was elected to the Venetian Senate. This was a very important step. He later held even higher positions. He was a member of the Council of Ten several times. This council was very powerful. In 1669, he became a Knight of the Order of Saint Mark. This was a special honor.
In 1672, Girolamo took on a big task. He became a Sindaco e Inquisitore in Terraferma. This special group checked how Venice's lands in Italy were being run. They looked into problems and abuses that had grown during the Cretan War. Girolamo and his team worked hard to fix these issues.
After this, Girolamo became governor of Palmanova for two years. He worked to improve the city's defenses and economy. When he returned to Venice, he continued to serve in high roles. He was a ducal councillor and a state inquisitor. In 1679, he became the governor-general of Venetian Dalmatia. Here, he worked to solve problems like a shrinking population. He also made sure to keep peace with the Ottoman Empire.
Leading in the War Against the Turks
In June 1682, Girolamo reached a top position. He became the Provveditore Generale da Mar. This meant he was in charge of Venice's overseas territories and navy. He improved tax systems in places like Corfu and Cephalonia. When the Morean War began, he attacked Ottoman areas. He aimed to disrupt their trade.
Girolamo was the main Venetian commander before Francesco Morosini arrived. Morosini was a rival, as both wanted to become the doge. Girolamo tried to capture the fortress of Santa Maura (Lefkada). He thought it would be easy. But the fortress was well-defended, and he had to turn back. This meant he was not as active in the first year of the war.
In December 1685, Girolamo was sent back to Dalmatia. He became the Provveditore Generale again. The situation there was difficult for Venice. Ottoman forces were raiding close to the capital, Zara (Zadar). Girolamo brought strict discipline to his troops. He showed great courage. He pushed back the Ottoman attacks. Then, he went on the offensive.
Girolamo led his forces to victory. He captured Castelnuovo (Herceg Novi) in 1687. Then, he took Knin in 1688. During the siege of Knin, he even captured the Ottoman pasha of Bosnia. In just three years, Girolamo secured Venetian Dalmatia. He also added a large, valuable territory to it. For his great success, he was named Procurator of Saint Mark. This was a very high honor in Venice.
In March 1689, Girolamo was again elected Provveditore Generale da Mar. He joined the siege of Monemvasia. This was the last Ottoman stronghold in the Morea. Doge Morosini was leading the siege. But Morosini and Girolamo did not get along. Morosini soon left, saying he was ill. This made Girolamo the main commander of the Venetian forces.
Girolamo continued the siege. Monemvasia was finally captured on August 12, 1690. The Venetian army then moved to the Albanian coast. People in Himara had rebelled against the Turks there. On September 11, the Venetians landed. They captured the fortress of Kanina on September 17. The port town of Valona was taken the next day. Its Ottoman defenders had left.
These victories allowed Venice to control more land. This included parts of Epirus, like Argyrokastron and Himara. Girolamo tried to capture the port of Durazzo further north. But bad weather stopped the attack. He returned to Valona. Sadly, he became sick from a widespread illness and died on October 1, 1690.
Sources
- Chasiotis, Ioannis (1975). "Η κάμψη της Οθωμανικής δυνάμεως". In Christopoulos, Georgios A. (in Greek). Ιστορία του Ελληνικού Έθνους, Τόμος ΙΑ΄: Ο Ελληνισμός υπό ξένη κυριαρχία (περίοδος 1669 - 1821), Τουρκοκρατία - Λατινοκρατία. Athens: Ekdotiki Athinon. ISBN 978-960-213-100-8.
- Derosas, Renzo (1983). "CORNER, Girolamo" (in Italian). Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, Volume 29: Cordier–Corvo. Rome: Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana. https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/girolamo-corner_res-479d0835-87eb-11dc-8e9d-0016357eee51_%28Dizionario-Biografico%29/.
