Diplomacy and Trade: The Chrysobulls of Byzantine Emperors for Venice from the Twelfth to the Fifteenth Century (Including the Period of the Latin Empire)

Дипломация и търговия: хрисовулите на византийските императори за Венеция от ХІІ до ХV век (включително и от времето на Латинската империя)

Исторически преглед, 81 (2025) No. 1, pp. 190-207 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI:

Snezhana Rakova, Galina Galabova / Снежана Ракова, Галина Гълъбова

South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad

Abstract: The Republic of Venice received numerous privileges from the Byzantine emperors through chrysobulls issued to them. These official documents were signed by nearly every ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire from the tenth to the fifteenth century. This model of diplomacy and trade regulation was maintained despite significant changes during the Latin Empire and later in Palaeologan Byzantium. The practice was subsequently adopted by the rulers of the Slavic states in the Balkans and later by the Ottomans, who inherited Byzantine traditions.

This research examines the commercial clauses within the chrysobulls, supplemented by information from other narrative and documentary sources, to outline the trade relations between Venice and Byzantium. The study traces changes in trade regulations and the types of goods exchanged during three main periods: Komnenian Byzantium, the Latin Empire, and Palaeologan Byzantium, concluding with the fall of the Empire in 1453.

Keywords: Byzantium, Venice, chrysobulls, trade relations, goods traded.

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