The history of Venice is, to some extent, distinct from that of the rest of Europe. The same could be said about the military history and organization of the city. In the early 9th century, the Venetians defeated the attempts of Pippin the Frank to rule over them, and remained, at least in theory, subordinate to the Byzantine Empire. Gradually, however, Venice began to gain independence and then to form its own empire at the expense of its former Byzantine overlords. The Venetians soon became famous for their adventurous and military spirit, their shrewd entrepreneurship, and their pride. This book explores the remarkable history of the city and its army from 1200 to 1670.