Giovanni Bembo

Giovanni Bembo (21 August 1543 in Venice – 16 March 1618 in Venice) was the 92nd Doge of Venice, reigning from his election on December 2, 1615 until his death. His reign is notable for Venetian victories during the War of Gradisca (1617) and for the Bedmar Plot (1618), in which the Spanish ambassador to Venice, Alfonso de la Cueva, 1st Marquis of Bedmar, attempted unsuccessfully to destabilize the Most Serene Republic.

Background, 1543–1615

Giovanni was the son of Augustine Bembo and Chiara Del Basso. The Bembo were one of the vecchie, the old Venetian noble families. Giovanni Bembo's mother provided Bembo with a large inheritance, which he divided with one brother.

Bembo was enrolled in the crew of a galley at age 12, and he remained aboard ship for sixteen years. He fought in the Battle of Lepanto (1571), showing great courage in spite of repeated wounds.

Following his good showing in the Battle of Lepanto, Bembo was appointed provveditore. He served with distinction and went on to become savio, consigliere, and Procurator of San Marco in turn.