Venice was at the height of its power during the 14th century. On the cusp of the Renaissance, wander the city during this time and you would have been treated to grandeur on a large scale. Magnificent paintings, architectural masterpieces and let’s not forget, the start of the Venetian Carnival. But lurking beneath this ornate mask of lavish costumes and sumptuous parties was an intricate tapestry of greed, power and fragile egos that wove the state together.

Venice, or The Republic of Venice as it was known then, had a varied ruling system. The Great Council, made up of Venice’s noble families, elected the Doge who was the head of the republic. Additionally, the Great Council elected the Council of Ten, a secret group of, you guessed it, ten members who were designated to investigate and prevent plots against the state.