Martino da Canal

Martino da Canal was a 13th-century Venetian chronicler, whose only known work is the so-called Les estoires de Venise, a French chronicle of the history of Venice from its beginnings to 1275. It is particularly valuable for Canal's depiction of events during his own lifetime, particularly during the years 1267–1275, when he was at Venice.

Biography

Martino da Canal is not mentioned in any other source, and the only biographical information about him is what can be extracted from his work. His date of birth and early life are entirely unknown. He was obviously familiar with Venice and its history, and certainly resided in the city itself between 1267 and 1275, when he composed his chronicle, as his account of these years is obviously that of an eyewitness. It is possible that he was a minor public official, perhaps a scribe, on some Venetian board or magistrature, with the Tavola da Mar, a sort of maritime customs, the most likely candidate. He may have had some close relationship with the Doge Reniero Zeno, to whom an extensive portion of his work is dedicated, including events before his election to the dogate. The chronicle ends on September 1275, which is also the last date attested for his life.

Chronicle

His sole known work was a chronicle of the Republic of Venice, from the city's foundation to 1275. Written in French, Canal titled it Cronique des Veniciens ("Chronicle of the Venetians"), but it is more commonly known under the title Les estoires de Venise.