Sebastiano Ziani 39th Doge of Venice Date of Birth: 01.01.1100 Country: Italy

1. Doge Sebastiano Ziani
2. Mediator between Empire and Papacy
3. Doge and City Reformer

Doge Sebastiano Ziani

Doge Sebastiano Ziani was a prominent figure in the Republic of Venice. In 1167, he joined 11 other wealthy Venetian citizens in supporting the Lombard League.

Mediator between Empire and Papacy

After the Battle of Legnano, where the forces of the Holy Roman Empire were defeated, Venice became a mediator in negotiations. In July 1177, Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa held talks in the Basilica of San Marco. Ziani facilitated the negotiations, leading to a reconciliation between the two leaders, with the emperor agreeing to recognize the pope's supremacy.

Doge and City Reformer

Elected Doge in 1172, Ziani embarked on a series of urban reforms. He divided the city into districts and moved the shipyard away from residential and civic buildings. Additionally, he reformed the electoral process for the Doge.