佚名（19世纪意大利） · Public domain
Middle Ages · c. 1107–1205
Enrico Dandolo
Enrico Dandolo · Italy
Doge of Venice
Doge of Venice from 1192 until his death in 1205. Elderly and blind (when and why he lost his sight is uncertain), he was known for his piety, longevity and political skill. He played a decisive role in the Fourth Crusade and the sack of Constantinople in 1204, laying the foundations of Venice's overseas empire. He died in Constantinople in 1205 and was buried in Hagia Sophia.
Where the story happened
Los lugares que dejó
Historia · St Mark's Basilica
Bronze horses brought from Constantinople
The Fourth Crusade strayed from its intended course and in 1204 captured and sacked Constantinople, with the aged, blind Doge of Venice, Enrico Dandolo, playing a decisive role. Great quantities of Byzantine spoils were shipped back to Venice, including four gilded bronze horses that had stood in Constantinople's Hippodrome; they were installed above the main entrance of St Mark's Basilica. Since 1974 the originals have been kept indoors, replaced by copies on the balcony.
