The method of the complaint boxes allowed everyone to have a voice. And by sharing the power, people also shared the responsibility
—with a slot at the mouth into which letters could be inserted. The earliest lion’s mouth adorning the Doge’s Palace dates back to 1618 and is still intact.
What made Venice’s complaint boxes effective was that by law anonymous denunciations were accepted only against public officials, not private individuals. They were used to “invite denunciation against government officers who were misusing their power, in theory at least,” says de Vivo. This also helped create a strong republic because “the opinions of ordinary Venetians were taken seriously,” he adds.or lions’ mouths, at any time of day or night.
Significant evidence gathering and investigation followed, and consequences could be dire, for both the accused and the accuser, if the latter was found to be lying. The most serious crimes were punished by incarceration in the city’s notorious prisons, exile, or even death. The system had its flaws, and sometimes innocent people were condemned.
, believes that “the exceptionality of Venice was due to there being no king, prince, dictator ... no concentration of power.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Venice canals run dry amid fears Italy faces another drought | CNNWeeks of dry winter weather have raised concerns that Italy could face another drought after last summer's emergency, with the Alps having received less than half of their normal snowfall, according to scientists and environmental groups.
Read more »
Gondolas stranded in Venice as Italy faces danger of new droughtVenice faces unusually low tides that are making it impossible for gondolas and other boats to navigate some of its famous canals.
Read more »
Prolonged low tides in Italy see smaller canals dry up in VeniceSome of Venice's secondary canals have practically dried up due a prolonged spell of low tides linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system over Italy.
Read more »
Venice canals nearly run dry as Italy set to again face drought conditionsVenice, Italy is a city known for its enchanting flooded canals which create paths where boats and traditional gondolas glide across the water ways, using them as transportation throughout the city. Now, after weeks of dry weather, officials are worried...
Read more »
Prolonged low tides in Venice see smaller canals dry upSome of Venice's secondary canals have practically dried up due a prolonged spell of low tides linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system.
Read more »
Venice canals run dry as lingering weather system impacts tide cyclesVenice has long been known for its perennial flooding, but now it's facing the opposite problem: a historic drought has left the ancient city with low water and dry canals, making many of its famous waterways unnavigable.
Read more »