Marin Falier, Doge of Venice (b. 1285)

Marino Faliero (born in 1274, passing away on 17 April 1355) holds a unique and infamous place in the annals of Venetian history as the 55th Doge. His election to this esteemed position took place on 11 September 1354. While officially recognized as Marino Faliero, his name often appeared in the local Venetian dialect as Marin Falier, or occasionally as Falieri, reflecting the rich linguistic tapestry of the Republic where Venetian, distinct from standard Italian, was commonly spoken. His reign, however, was dramatically brief and ended not through natural succession, but by his execution for a grave offense: attempting a coup d'état against the very state he led.

The Doge: A Constrained Leader

In the powerful maritime Republic of Venice, the Doge served as the supreme magistrate and head of state, a prestigious role that was nonetheless carefully constrained by a complex system of checks and balances. Unlike hereditary monarchs, the Doge was an elected official, chosen for life but expected to uphold the Republic's oligarchic structure, where real power resided with various councils, particularly the Great Council and the Council of Ten. Marino Faliero himself hailed from a prominent and ancient Venetian noble family, boasting a distinguished career as a military commander and diplomat before his elevation to the dogeship. He had served the Republic with valor, earning respect on the battlefield and in foreign courts, which naturally made him a suitable, albeit ill-fated, candidate for the highest office.

The Audacious Coup Attempt

Despite his venerable age and previous service, Faliero’s tenure as Doge proved tumultuous. Historical accounts suggest he grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations placed upon his office and the perceived insolence of the Venetian nobility. A pivotal incident, often cited, involved a public insult directed at his wife, Dogaressa Aluycia Gradenigo, and subsequently at himself, by a young nobleman. While seemingly minor, this event, coupled with long-standing grievances and a desire for more absolute, monarchical power, reportedly fueled his resentment. Faliero began to secretly conspire with a group of disaffected commoners and mercenaries, planning to overthrow the existing aristocratic government, abolish the councils, and establish himself as the sole ruler or 'Prince' of Venice. His aim was to seize power, potentially on 15 April 1355, by inciting a popular uprising and executing members of the patrician class.

Discovery, Swift Justice, and a Stark Warning

The elaborate conspiracy, however, was betrayed. One of the conspirators, a furrier named Bertuccio Isarello, feeling guilt or perhaps fearing the consequences, revealed the plot to a member of the Council of Ten. The Council, known for its efficiency and ruthlessness in protecting the state, acted with astonishing speed. The plot was uncovered just days before its scheduled execution. Faliero was promptly arrested, tried by a special tribunal comprising members of the Council of Ten and other high-ranking magistrates, and found guilty of high treason. In a stark message to anyone contemplating such a challenge to the Republic, Marino Faliero was publicly executed on 17 April 1355, just over seven months after his appointment as Doge. He was beheaded on the 'Scala dei Giganti' (Staircase of the Giants) in the Doge's Palace, the very place where he had taken his oath of office. His body was then dragged and displayed before being buried in an unmarked grave.

A Cautionary Tale in Venetian History

Marino Faliero remains the only Doge in Venetian history to be executed for treason. His ignominious end served as a powerful cautionary tale, reinforcing the principle that no individual, not even the Doge, was above the law or the Republic's established aristocratic order. To further erase his memory and emphasize his disgrace, his portrait in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall) was replaced with a black veil, bearing the chilling inscription: "Hic est locus Marini Faletro decapitati pro criminibus" (This is the place of Marino Faliero, beheaded for his crimes).

Frequently Asked Questions about Marino Faliero

What was the primary reason for Marino Faliero's execution?
Marino Faliero was executed for high treason, specifically for attempting a coup d'état to overthrow the Venetian Republic's aristocratic government and establish himself as an absolute ruler.
How was Marino Faliero referred to in his time?
While his official name was Marino Faliero, he was often called Marin Falier in the local Venetian dialect, reflecting common linguistic usage in the Republic, and sometimes also Falieri.
What was the significance of a Doge in the Venetian Republic?
The Doge was the elected head of state and supreme magistrate of Venice, a prestigious but largely symbolic role. Their power was meticulously constrained by various councils to prevent tyranny, with real governmental authority distributed among the Venetian aristocracy.
Where was Marino Faliero executed?
He was executed by beheading on the 'Scala dei Giganti' (Staircase of the Giants) in the Doge's Palace, the very location where Doges traditionally took their oath of office, underscoring the severity of his betrayal.
What symbolic act marked his disgrace in Venetian memory?
His portrait in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall) was replaced with a black veil bearing an inscription detailing his execution for crimes, serving as a permanent record of his disgrace.