Domenico Michiel

Domenico Michiel, born in the year 1050, served as the thirty-fifth Doge of Venice from either 1116 or 1117 until his resignation in late 1129 or early 1130. His tenure was marked by significant military and political achievements that would shape the future of Venice and its influence in the Mediterranean.

In August of 1122, Michiel commanded a formidable Venetian fleet comprising one hundred vessels and approximately fifteen thousand men, embarking on a campaign in the Holy Land. This fleet, sailing under the auspices of St. Peter, was dispatched by the Pope himself. During the winter months, the fleet laid siege to the Byzantine island of Corfu, although this operation was ultimately abandoned in the spring due to urgent news from the Holy Land.

Upon learning of King Baldwin II of Jerusalem's capture by the Artuqids and the subsequent invasion of the Kingdom of Jerusalem by the Fatimids of Egypt, Michiel redirected his fleet to defend Jerusalem. The Venetians achieved a decisive victory against the Egyptian fleet off the Syrian coast, subsequently landing at Acre. It was here that Michiel negotiated the Pactum Warmundi, which granted Venice privileged trade concessions, tax exemptions, and partial ownership of several cities within the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

On his return journey to Venice, Michiel's fleet engaged in acts of looting at Rhodes, attacked the islands of Samos and Lesbos, and devastated the city of Modon in the Peloponnese. He triumphantly returned to Venice in June of 1125, having bolstered the Christian presence in the Holy Land while simultaneously diminishing the power of the Greeks. The inscription on his tomb reflects his legacy, describing him not as a religious crusader but rather as a terror to the Greeks and a figure of praise among the Venetians.

His dogaressa was Alicia, who stood by him during his impactful reign.