Zaccaria Stagnario

Zaccaria Stagnario’s grandfather was a Croatian slave who was freed in 1125 when his Venetian owner died. His father was a helmsman, and from 1775 Zaccaria had often assisted his fater in business. He also managed a shop where he sold spices and other commodities. In 1199 we find Zaccaria Stagnario on a business trip to Constantinople. He acted as a traveling merchant and was to receive one fourth of the profits made on this journey. It was also in his decision to continue the voyage to other ports if there is profit to be made. His partner, a sedentary merchant, was to receive three fourths of the profits made.

His business trip to Constantinople, and the experience gathered, paid off handsomely for Zaccaria after he moved there after the 1204 conquest. By 1207 he held office as councilor to the first Venetian podesta in Constantinople. By the same year he was wealthy enough to act as a sedentary merchant in two large businesses contracts. With his success in Constantinople Zaccharia integrated himself into the highest social and political circles of Venice.