Albertino Morosini was a 13th-century Venetian nobleman and administrator. He played a key role in Venetian politics and governance, particularly in territories under the Republic's influence. In 1209, he was appointed Duke of Crete, overseeing the island's administration during a crucial period of Venetian expansion in the eastern Mediterranean.

Life

Albertino Morosini is first attested in Venice, in 1209. In 1237–1239, he served as the Venetian

Podestà of Constantinople The Podestà of Constantinople was the official in charge of Venetian possessions in the Latin Empire and the Venetian quarter of Constantinople during the 13th century. Nominally a vassal to the Latin Emperor, the Podestà functioned as a ruler ...

, during which time he contracted a loan on the Republic's behalf with the impoverished

Latin Empire The Latin Empire, also referred to as the Latin Empire of Constantinople, was a feudal Crusader state founded by the leaders of the Fourth Crusade on lands captured from the Byzantine Empire. The Latin Empire was intended to replace the Byzantin ...

, receiving the reputed

Crown of Thorns According to the New Testament, a woven crown of thorns ( or ) was placed on the head of Jesus during the Passion of Jesus, events leading up to his crucifixion of Jesus, crucifixion. It was one of the Arma Christi, instruments of the Passion, e ...

as collateral. He returned to Venice in spring or autumn of 1239, and later in the same year served as judge in the city. Morosini also served as judge in 1243, as

ducal councillor The Minor Council () or Ducal Council was one of the main constitutional bodies of the Republic of Venice, and served both as advisors and partners to the Doge of Venice, sharing and limiting his authority. Establishment The Minor Council was esta ...

in 1250, again as judge in 1251 and 1253, as Duke of Crete in 1255–1257, and again as judge in 1258.

References

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* {{DEFAULTSORT:Morosini, Albertino 13th-century Venetian people Year of birth unknown Year of death unknown Podestàs of Constantinople Dukes of Crete Albertino Ducal councillors 13th-century governors