Dandolo, Andrew

, doge of Venice, merits some notice here as one of the first historians of his country. He was born in 1310, and in 1344 became doge, being not only distinguished for military and political knowledge, but for considerable attainments in literature. By his means Venice was first enabled to extend her commerce to Egypt, which, however, had the bad effect of involving Venice and Genoa in a war, in the course of which he lost his life in 1354. As an author he is mentioned for his “Chronicle of Venice,” which comprehends the history of the republic from its foundation to the year 1342 and to him has been ascribed the compilation of the sixth book of Venetian statutes. His chronicle obtained considerable reputation for impartiality, and for the exhibition of authentic documents which the author produced to substantiate his facts. Petrarch, with whom he corresponded, Blondus, Justinian, Sabellicus, Leander, and Cuspinian, always mention this Chronicle with praise, it is inserted in Muratori’s collection, with a continuation to 1388, by Caresino. ²