Venetian & Frankish Greece: Crusaders, Knights and Merchant Empires
After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, crusader knights and Venetian merchants divided Greece among themselves. Explore the castles, islands and wars of centuries of Latin rule.
Key Events of Venetian & Frankish Greece
The Story of Venetian & Frankish Greece
In 1204, the knights of the Fourth Crusade captured and sacked Constantinople and divided the Byzantine Empire among themselves. For centuries afterwards, much of Greece was ruled by Western Europeans, known to Greeks as Franks and Latins. French knights founded the Principality of Achaea in the Peloponnese and the Duchy of Athens, while Venice took Crete, the Ionian Islands and key ports, and Venetian nobles ruled the Cyclades from Naxos. Genoa controlled Chios, and the Knights Hospitaller held Rhodes until 1522. These rulers built castles, churches and towns that still stand across Greece, and Venetian Crete produced a remarkable blend of Greek and Italian culture, including the painter El Greco. As the Ottoman Empire expanded, the Latin states fell one by one, though Venice fought on in long wars, including the 21-year siege of Candia and the brief conquest of the Peloponnese. Venetian rule finally ended in 1797, when Napoleon dissolved the Republic of Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Franks in Greece?
Greeks called the Western European crusaders and rulers Franks or Latins. After 1204, French, Italian and Catalan nobles ruled much of Greece.
What parts of Greece did Venice control?
Venice ruled Crete, the Ionian Islands, many Aegean islands and ports in the Peloponnese, some for centuries. Corfu remained Venetian until 1797.
How did Frankish and Venetian rule in Greece begin?
The crusaders were in debt to Venice and became involved in Byzantine politics. Instead of reaching Egypt or the Holy Land, they captured and sacked Constantinople in 1204.
What is the Venetian legacy in Greece?
Venice left fortresses, harbors, churches and old towns across Greece, including in Chania, Heraklion, Nafplio and Corfu, as well as Italian influence on Cretan and Ionian culture.
How long did Venetian rule last in Crete?
Venice ruled Crete from the early 13th century until 1669, when Candia, today's Heraklion, finally fell to the Ottomans after a siege of 21 years.
Explore Other Eras of Greek History
