Due to some awkward crusades, the Egyptian merchants weren't terribly welcome in, you know, Europe. But they had all the pepper, because the Egyptians imported it from India and controlled both overland and overseas access to the Mediterranean. And while others cited moral or religious opposition to trade, the Venetians usually found a way, which is why the whole freakin' town is made of marble. Thanks, Thought Bubble. To avoid the sticky situation of having to consort with the heathen Egyptians, the Venetians employed a handy story. This is the Piazza San Marco, the number one destination in the entire world for people who like to be pooped on by pigeons. It's also home to this church, which includes some bronze horses you may remember that were looted from Constantinople.