Zorzi Giustinian facts for kids

Zorzi Giustinian was an important diplomat from the Republic of Venice. He worked as an ambassador, which is like a special representative, for Venice in London from 1606 to 1608. He also served in Vienna in 1618. His job was to represent Venice and keep good relations with other countries.

Time in London

Arriving in England

Zorzi Giustinian arrived in London on January 5, 1606. He was met by the previous Venetian ambassador, Nicolò Molin, and Lewes Lewknor, who was in charge of royal events.

On January 25, they had a formal meeting with King James. Many Italians living in London joined them for this important event.

Meeting the King and Queen

In February, Giustinian congratulated King James. This was because the King had escaped a dangerous plot called the Gunpowder plot. This plot was a plan to harm the King and Parliament.

Anne of Denmark, the Queen, was very interested in the disagreements between Venice and the Pope. However, Giustinian did not want to talk much about these problems.

King James later told Giustinian all about the Gunpowder Plot. The King believed that he was saved by a miracle.

Court Life and Challenges

In April, Giustinian heard a strange rumor that King James had been harmed. A few days later, Lewes Lewknor invited him to watch a tournament.

Giustinian was worried about his "precedence" at these events. This meant he wanted to make sure he was treated with the same respect as other ambassadors. Lewknor promised him a good spot to watch. Giustinian wanted the best window, but Lewknor found this difficult.

Giustinian visited Princess Elizabeth at Greenwich Palace in August 1606.

Royal Visitors and Entertainment

Christian IV of Denmark, the King of Denmark, visited London in August. Even with many parties and tournaments, Giustinian reported that the Danish King seemed bored.

Giustinian tried to meet King James at Theobalds House. The King was having a long dinner, and Giustinian was told not to interrupt.

Giustinian also wrote to Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline, who was an important Scottish official. He sent him papers that defended Venice. Seton agreed with Venice's side.

In May 1607, Giustinian successfully asked for a book to be stopped. The book, called News from Venice, had incorrect information about Venice. In July, Prince Henry showed Giustinian around Nonsuch Palace.

Giustinian was very impressed by a play called The Masque of Beauty. He thought Queen Anne was the main reason it was so good.

In June 1608, Giustinian saw a parade from London to Windsor Castle. The royal family watched from Cecil House. Giustinian noticed that English courtiers were sometimes jealous of honors given to Scottish people.

Giustinian also went to see a play called Pericles. He went with the French ambassador and his wife, and another diplomat.

Giustinian's time as ambassador in London ended in August 1608. His replacement was Marc' Antonio Correr.

Time in Vienna

Giustinian later served as an ambassador in Vienna in 1618.