An overview of Russian-Venetian relations in the era of Peter the Great

Venice has always been sympathetic to Muscovy - because of their remoteness, their political and economical aspirations did not conflict with each other, besides both countries had a common enemy, the Ottoman Porte. However, the establishment of a trade and military alliance has become a reality only with Peter the Great, when the relations between the new Russia and the Republic of St. Mark became a true partnership. The history of these relations consists of two phases, which are quite different in nature. The first phase (1695-1701) was on a foreign relations anti-Ottoman theme with related military issues, the second phase (1710-1722) on the contrary was under the banner of commercial interest. After the creation of the army and navy and the first military successes, the emperor and his entourage sought to pursue an active policy on the foreign market and raise funds for inviting foreign experts as well as for the purchase of pieces of art for their estates and palaces. Both phases turned out to be important and fruitful for the young Russian state.