Unconventional Places and Unconventional Biographies? Colonizing the Lagoon in the Middle Ages: The Case of Venice

Abstract

The aim of this article is to compare traditional narratives and new narratives regarding the theme of the origins of Venice (from the Roman period to the Early Middle Ages). New narratives can rely on traditional and less traditional archaeological approaches. However, they are able to question some myths related to the city (that of migrations, for example) and place its history within more complex and articulated social, political, and cultural dynamics related to the Early Middle Ages. A promising approach is to study the colonization processes of lands that are inhabited despite a lack of water or food shortages. This article identifies and explains the reasons for such an unconventional choice.