10The Republic of Venice (697โ€“1797)

The Republic of Venice was one of the most powerful maritime states in Europe for over a thousand years.

It controlled territories along the Adriatic Sea, as well as parts of modern-day Croatia, Greece, and Cyprus. Veniceโ€™s wealth came from its trade networks and naval power. However, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte brought an end to Venice’s independence in 1797, and its territories were absorbed by Austria and later Italy.

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