Thanks! Yep it is unfortunate when some small groups of people can dictate the fate of many of those around them. It usually ends in disaster especially when done in secret. However what I thought was really interesting was that many of the Republic of Venice thought that these people ruled justly. I always thought just rulership was transparent rulership. Different times I guess. I will try to expand on what I have written so far.

Thanks again for your comments

The concept of the council of ten is very interesting and something that I was unaware of. I often find it interesting to learn of times in both history and currently when important would events are dictated by a small group of people.

definitely is now on the list for Venice,
Michael