Peter Frankopan
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I blog from time to time about things that catch my eye and particularly about links between the past and present.

Peter's Blog

Star Wars / Trade Wars (part one)

10/25/2018

4 Comments

 
I was in Venice this week and as usual, made straight for St Marks' Square to see my old friends the Tetrarchs.

This is a famous group of four rulers of the Roman Empire, dating to around 300AD that is affixed into the side of St Mark's Cathedral - the heart of the city.

I always pop by to pay my respects, because it is one of the most evocative pieces of art that I know - and speaks not only of the past of Rome, but of Constantinople and of Venice too.

Picture
Hello again, boys
I guess my mind must have been wandering because I suddenly thought that the four reminded me of something but couldn't quite place it. It was only when I sat for coffee at my father's old favourite haunt (Florian's - €16 for a macchiato) that I twigged.
I thought back to another period in history a long way away and the role of trade.

Picture
Ambassadors from Trade Federation
Picture
Tetrarchs
As everyone knows, a fierce series of conflicts broke out 'a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away'. It took a while for the role of trade to become clear in the narrative of Star Wars (the role of the privateer Han Solo alluded to it). But lo and behold in The Phantom Menace (and later films), the representatives of the Trade Federation.

In some ways, it is not a surprise that the writers of the film would turn to Venice - whose name is synonymous with commerce - even if the four tetrarchs who seem plausible inspiration have nothing to do with the city but were brought there in 1204 as booty after the Venetians led the sack of Constantinople (who says trade and war don't go hand in hand).
The fact that they have nothing to do with trade either is ironic, of course; but such is life.

Picture
Constantinople, obviously
I'd already clocked that Palace Plaza from the Star Wars film looks to have been based on Constantinople - so it's got me wondering about what the person/people who styled these episodes of Star Wars read in their spare time (or studied in college). But rather wonderful to think that the set designers' knowledge of the past in this galaxy has helped tell the story of what happened in another.
Picture
That city in Star Wars
4 Comments
Sonal Keay link
1/6/2019 11:18:48 am

Leading the links between galaxies further still, I could not help but notice that the Tetrarchs’ choice of sword handles appear to have inspired Mary Poppin’s umbrella!

Reply
Sky Heatherton
2/10/2020 01:50:40 pm

Thank you for writing The Silk Roads
History is now meaningful. My perceptions have
Matured of the peoples of this world. I feel I will become a better world citizen. God be praised for the gifts He gave you, they are being wisely used.

Reply
Saint George Cabinets link
8/14/2022 08:10:17 pm

Great reading thhis

Reply
Johnny Rodriguez link
10/6/2022 03:08:11 pm

Drop light project fund if care better education. Assume improve Democrat back.
Former visit yard green. Onto sure a describe glass night involve.

Reply



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