Abstract EN:

"the venitian crete in the thirteenth century, from the a. Kalergi's chronicle" the chronicle by antonio kalergi, gentleman of venice, written in venitian in the sixteenth century throughout nine hundred pages (divided up into fourteen books) tells the history of crete from its origins up to 1305. We have taken a special interest in the last five books which deal particularly with the venetian period. We have analysed, then compared the historical but also economic and social picture of the island drawn by kalergi in his chronicle with other sources or accounts of that violent thirteenth century during which crete was colonized and brought into subjection, with great difficulty, by venice. In that desperate struggle against the ruler, the character of alexis kalergi, the chronicle author's forefather, plays a prominent part : first as the leader of a great rebellion (1283-1299), then as an example of faithfulness after his joining the cause of the republic. His descendant knows how to pay tribute to him and praise his bravery and faithfulness but the interest of the chronicle lies far beyond the limits of a mere family saga. It lies mainly in relation tot the events which are taking place in that part of the mediterranean (and particularly in crete) in the sixteenth century in front of the turk danger. Through his chronicle and the praise of the creto-venitian colonization, kalergi means to contribute to the moral support of the venitians who are fighting a war to the death agains the ottomans