Chapter 8 Sea Defenses in the Renaissance: Famagusta in Comparative Venetian Perspective
In: Famagusta MaritimaSearch for other papers by Dragoş Cosmescu in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
While the layout of the harbor of Famagusta predates the Venetians, the Republic of Venice did improve fortifications of the Cypriot port in line with the dictates of Renaissance artillery defenses. During a relatively short period of Venetian command of the city, the main elements of the port defenses were modernized: the sea curtain, bastion towers, Sea Gate and citadel. This chapter looks at how these came together to fulfill their function to protect the foremost Venetian gateway to the Levant. Elements of this solution were deployed in other important ports of the republic: Corfu, Canea, Cattaro, Candia, Napoli di Romania. The author seeks to demonstrate how the sea defenses of Famagusta were on a par with similar fortifications in other important harbors of the Republic of Venice.