description
- This research project investigates the socio-economic impacts of the Little Ice Age on Venice and Venetian Crete from 1453 to 1571. The Little Ice Age, occurring approximately between 1300 and 1850, marked by the expansion of glaciers across Europe, Alaska, and New Zealand, along with a notable decrease in average annual temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere by about 0.6°C. The proposed project will analyse archival documents, including those from the Senate Mar, Terra, and Duca di Candia, as well as Venetian chronicles. Historical records reveal that during the climatic disturbances from 1453 to 1571, Venice sourced essential products, including wheat, wine, and timber, from Crete. This study integrates history, palaeography, climate science, and digital humanities. What sets this project apart from previous research is its pioneering examination of how the Little Ice Age affected Venetian Crete and, in turn, Venice itself. By linking historical and climate science, this study aims to bridge the past and present. Although focused on the Venetian Republic during the Early Modern Period, the findings will remain relevant today, particularly in the context of climate-related issues. Upon completion, we will reveal the extent to which the socio-economic conditions in Venice and Venetian Crete were affected during the Little Ice Age, as well as how Venice benefited from Crete due to the impacts of climate change. The resulting socio-economic outcomes will be processed into a digital database using programs such as ArcGIS and GIS, providing a foundation for future studies. This project will enable me to develop new ideas that will enhance my chances of securing high-level projects, such as European Research Council (ERC) grants. It will significantly impact my opportunities for obtaining academic positions.