Domenico Flabanico

Domenico Flabanico (died 1043) was the 29th Doge of Venice. His reign lasted from the abdication of Pietro Barbolano in 1032 until his death.

Domenico Flabanico
Coat of arms of Domenico Flabanico
Doge of Venice
In office 1032–1043
Personal details
Born	Unknown
Died	1043

Before Domenico Flabanico took office, there was significant chaos in Venice. His predecessor had abdicated the position of Doge following extensive public pressure to reinstate Otto Orseolo, but when it was found out that Otto Orseolo was dying, Domenico Orseolo, Otto's less popular relative, attempted to seize the dogeship. There was public outcry in Venice regarding the apparent onset of a nepotistic hereditary monarchy. Flabanico, a successful merchant and popular individual, but less than noble, was elected to spite the notion that royal blood was required for the position.

Under Flabanico, new laws to limit the powers of the Doge against creating a hereditary monarchy were passed. Venice went through a period of infighting and decline. Flabanico struggled to maintain the diplomatic relationships that were necessary for adequate foreign policy. The economy of the Republic of Venice also suffered under his leadership. Under his successor, Domenico Contarini, the Republic was restored to a new era of prosperity. He died in 1043, at the end of more than a decade of rule.