La Campagna del 1796 nel Veneto Parte prima: La decadenza militare della serenissima uomini ed armi

Set against the turbulent spring of 1796, the work examines a Republic that had long ruled the seas but now faced the relentless advance of Napoleon’s forces. It opens a window onto the final chapter of Venice’s military tradition, tracing how centuries of triumph gave way to a growing sense of inertia and fear. The narrative balances vivid descriptions of battle‑scarred fortifications with a reflective tone on the Republic’s fading confidence.

Drawing on a wealth of previously unpublished Senate and provincial records, the author maps every layer of the Venetian war machine. Chapters move methodically through the organization of the militia, the central war administration, the roles of senior and junior officers, as well as the artillery, engineers, cavalry and the often‑overlooked village levies. Detailed accounts of training routines, budgeting and veteran care reveal the practical challenges that plagued the army just as the French crossed the Adda.

Beyond the military details, the study situates Venice’s decline within the broader currents of European conflict, offering listeners a nuanced portrait of a state struggling to adapt to a new age. It invites anyone fascinated by the intersection of politics, commerce and warfare to hear the quiet voices of documents that illuminate a pivotal moment in history.