The Doge of Venice was the highest role of authority within the Republic of Venice. The word "Doge" originates from the Latin word "Dux," which translates to "leader" or "Duke."
Marino Faliero was the 55th Doge of Venice, appointed on 11 September 1354.
Pietro II Orseolo (961−1009) was the Doge of Venice from 991 to 1009, and a member of the House of Orseolo. He began the period of eastern expansion of Venice that lasted for the better part of 500 years. He secured his influence in the Dalmatian Romanized settlements from the Croats and Narentines, freed Venetia from a 50-year-old taxation to the latter, and started Venetia's expansions by conquering the islands of Lastovo (Lagosta) and Korčula (Curzola) and acquiring Dubrovnik (Ragusa).
Leonardo Loredan was a Venetian nobleman and statesman who reigned as the 75th Doge of Venice from 1501 until his death in 1521. As a wartime ruler, he was one of the most important doges in the history of Venice. In the dramatic events of the early 16th century, Loredan's Machiavellian plots and cunning political manoeuvres against the League of Cambrai, the Ottomans, the Mamluks, the Pope, the Republic of Genoa, the Holy Roman Empire, the French, the Egyptians and the Portuguese saved Venice from downfall.
Nicolò Sagredo was the 105th Doge of Venice, reigning from 6 February 1675 until his death less than two years later. Little of note occurred during his reign as Venice was still recovering from the Cretan War (1645–1669), which had ended in the reign of his predecessor.
A doge was an elected lord and head of state in several Italian city-states, notably Venice and Genoa, during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Such states are referred to as "crowned republics".
Pietro III Candiano was the Doge of Venice from 942 until 959. He was the son of Pietro II Candiano.
Antonio Grimani was the Doge of Venice from 1521 to 1523. He had previously served as commander of the Venetian Navy.
Francesco Donato a member of the Donato family. He was the 79th Doge of Venice from 1545 to 1553. He was married to Giovanna Da Mula and Alicia Giustiniani.
Reniero Zeno was the 45th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1 January 1253 until his death in 1268.
There were four Doges, and many other prominent Venetians, called Alvise Mocenigo. Alvise I Mocenigo was doge of Venice from 1570 to 1577.
Marco Cornaro, also known as Marco Corner, was the 59th doge of Venice, ruling between 1365 and 1368. His brief reign saw the loss of Venetian territory to Genoa and the Ottoman Empire, though Venice was to enjoy economic growth during this time.
Giovanni Dandolo was the 48th Doge of Venice, elected late in his life on 31 March 1280. He died on 2 November 1289. During his reign, the first Venetian gold ducat was introduced into circulation.
Pietro Gradenigo was the 49th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1289 to his death.
Nicolò Tron was the 68th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1471 to 1473.
Michele Steno was a Venetian statesman who served as the 63rd Doge of Venice from December 1, 1400 until his death. He is remembered as the ruler crucial for establishing the Domini di Terraferma, in the aftermath of the War of Padua.
Pasquale Malipiero, called the dux pacificus was a Venetian statesman who served as the 66th Doge of Venice from October 30, 1457 until his death. He succeeded Francesco Foscari, and was specifically elected by enemies of the Foscari family. In 1458, he signed into law a number of measures limiting the power of the Council of Ten.
Giovanni II Cornaro, sometimes Corner was a Venetian nobleman and statesman; he served as the 111th Doge of Venice from 22 May 1709 until his death.
Alvise Pisani was the 114th Doge of Venice, serving from 17 January 1735 until his death. Born as a member of Pisani family, he was a career diplomat prior to his election, serving as Venice's ambassador to France, Austria, and Spain; he also served as a councilor to previous Doges. He was succeeded as Doge by Pietro Grimani. His dogaressa was Elena Badoero.
Paolo Renier was a Venetian statesman, the 119th and penultimate Doge of Venice. He was a noted orator, and served as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and to Austria. His election as Doge was unpopular, and he was the subject of numerous menacing letters at the time. Renier was succeeded as Doge by Ludovico Manin, who would be the last Doge of Venice. He married Giustina Donà in 1733, and Margherita Delmaz in 1751.
