Counterintelligence and Signal Organization of the Venetian Republic in Eastern Mediterranean in 1499

Abstract

The article examines counterintelligence and signal organization of the venetian republic in eastern Mediterranean in 1499, a year representing a special turning point for this area. It marks the last largest ottoman raid in Friulivenezia giulia which, aimed directly upon the venetian terraferma, resulted in the outbreak of war between the venetian republic and the ottoman empire (1499–1502). Analyzed are forms of venetian counterintelligence activities against the ottomans, particularly the inter- ception of letters and the capture of ottoman informers, and the system of signalization in the eastern part of the venetian territory that denoted a certain degree of protection against Ottoman raids in this area.