Venetian neutrality with regard to land wars in Italy and Europe. A series of naval wars against the Ottoman empire. Development of diplomacy guided by the Pregàdi and of secret services under the direction of the Council of Ten. The catholic Counter-reform and its cultural effects. The Venetian policy of jurisdictionalism, and the controversy around the interdict. Investments on agricultural estates in the mainland Dominions by the Venetian aristocracy. Innovation in agriculture. Unfortunate imitation of the habits and attitude of the feudal aristocracies on the mainland.