Pietro II Orseolo

Pietro II Orseolo, born in the year nine hundred sixty-one, served as the Doge of Venice from nine hundred ninety-one to one thousand nine. A prominent member of the House of Orseolo, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Venice.

Under his leadership, Venice embarked on a significant period of eastern expansion that would last for nearly five centuries. Pietro II was instrumental in securing Venetian influence over the Dalmatian Romanized settlements, effectively countering the threats posed by the Croats and the Narentines.

One of his notable achievements was liberating Venice from a burdensome taxation that had persisted for fifty years, imposed by the Narentines. He initiated Venice's territorial expansion by conquering the islands of Lastovo and Korčula, as well as acquiring the strategic port of Dubrovnik.

These decisive actions marked the inception of the Stato da Màr, Venice's overseas dominion, and laid the groundwork for the city's illustrious maritime empire.