Restored trade rights for Venice in the Byzantine Empire after years of diplomatic rupture, with a ten-year duration shaping Eastern Mediterranean commerce.
Key Facts
- Treaty concluded
- June 1285, Constantinople
- Duration
- Ten years
- Previous treaties referenced
- 1268 and 1277 Byzantine-Venetian treaties
- Venetian quarters granted in
- Constantinople and Thessalonica
- Next treaty
- 1302 Byzantine-Venetian treaty
- Key Byzantine signatory
- Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Venice had aligned with Charles I of Anjou against Byzantium in 1281, but the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282) shattered Charles's ambitions. Excluded from Black Sea trade and grain shipping, Venice faced economic pressure and opened negotiations with Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1283 to restore commercial access.
After prolonged negotiations, the Byzantine–Venetian treaty was concluded in June 1285 in Constantinople and ratified shortly after in Venice. It reinstated Venetian trading rights throughout the Empire, guaranteed access to the Black Sea, recognized Genoese privileges, bound both parties against hostile alliances, and included a lump-sum Byzantine payment compensating Venice for prior treaty breaches.
Following the treaty, Andronikos II dissolved the Byzantine navy, a decision with severe long-term strategic consequences. The peace held until Venetian attacks on Genoese vessels in Byzantine waters during the War of Curzola drew Byzantium into conflict, requiring a new treaty in 1302 to restore relations.
Political Outcome
Peaceful relations restored; Venice regained trading rights and Black Sea access; Byzantium secured a non-aggression commitment and paid compensation to Venice.
Venice aligned with Angevin faction; Venetians excluded from Byzantine commerce and Black Sea trade.
Venetian trade rights and Black Sea access restored; Byzantine navy subsequently disbanded by Andronikos II.