The Growth of the Arsenal

For our third article and presentation Zach and I read the Growth of the Arsenal.  The Arsenal, located in Venice, is responsible for enlarging the galley numbers of the Venetian Navy.  As a class, we got the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about its growth over time.

After getting security clearance to see the old arsenal, we were guided through the facility by a tour guide (who's name I cannot remember).  One of the first things that came to mind when seeing the complex, was its size.  When reading the article, I knew it was expanded over the years but I did not realize it was as big as it actually was.

When the area of the arsenal was founded in the early 1100's, it was only eight acres.  The Lord or the Arsenal controlled it, and it had the ability to house 24 light galleys.  A galley is a ship, for those who do not know.  From the beginning, the Arsenal was tightly managed, and they had an advantage over most navy's in the area.  As time went on, the Arsenal began to grow.  The arsenal at one point was able to build and arm a galley in under an hour.  Even today, I think that is still a feat that is hard to achieve.

When giving the tour, the guide mostly focused on the military aspect of the Arsenal.  Yes, the Arsenal was a major military hub, but it was also very important for merchants.  In the 1300's the Arsenal would rent out galleys to merchants.  The officers of the Arsenal would manage this operation.  When the galleys were returned for the year from the merchants, damages were assessed and rents were collected.  By the early to mid 1400's the arsenal was making 6,000-12,000 in ducats were collected per year.

The Merchant business eventually peaked in 1504, and the main focus of the Arsenal changed.  The Ottoman Empire was starting to appear at Venice's doorstep.  In preparation for battles, the Arsenal started to expand.  The Arsenal set guidelines to incorporate 50 reserve galleys for their fleet.  As time went on, they realized that was insufficient so they upped the amount to 100.  As the fleet grew, so did the Arsenal complex. Soon, covered docks were implemented to protect the galleys.  In the end, the large and quick launching fleet helped the Arsenal contend with the Turks.  This was facilitated because the arsenal was able to grow and lead in technology.

-Erik Olson