The Port City and Its Population: Econ 215 takes on Venice

A city made up of islands and twisting canals barely above sea level isn’t something that one would think is of high priority when creating a city. But Venice was established for many reasons despite the hindering dilemma of high tide floods and disease. The article The Port City and Its Population discusses ancient Venice’s beginning. Although the sinking city has its cons, the location in relation to other regions and nations was prime, a perfect trading port for goods from all around the world. The article mentioned how in San Marcos square goods from all around the world would be sold to people traveling from far away lands to experience the luxury of such quality goods. Our class experienced this, we spent a lot of time in San Marcos square, and something’s have indeed stayed the same. The square is lined with merchants, selling their goods to people from far a way lands. However the merchants were not selling the finest of purple silks, or greatly desired salt, but rather magnets, shot classes, key chains, and other souvenirs.

San Marcos Square

Venice differs from other big cities of its time and now. Something Venice was recognized for was their ability to create a location where you can make a prosperous living and also live there too. We see all too often in the large cities that the lower classes get pushed out by the increase in demand for in cities limits housing. A technique that Venice was able to please both sides was through parishes all around the cities. By providing apartments between the floors of large expensive houses, and other nooks throughout the city allowed for the lower class to live within the city and avoid the creation of ghettos and lower income neighborhoods.

Through Venice’s strong urban planning the city was able to provide for the rich and the poor, stand as one of the largest trading locations of that time, but also be an example to other upcoming places around the world.