CHAP. XIII. THE MAHOMEDANS. 351 



and Constantinople was increased by the aid 

 which the former could give to the latter in 

 securing them by their naval armaments against 

 the Mahometan pirates, who had at that early 

 period commenced their maritime expeditions 

 against the shores of Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

 The Venetians claimed and obtained special 

 privileges in Constantinople. They were in- 

 dulged with freedom from taxation on the goods 

 they imported in their own ships ; a part of the 

 city was appropriated to their exclusive residence ; 

 and a court of law was established, to which 

 alone they were amenable in all cases. From 

 the commerce with the heretics of Constantino- 

 ple, the first step was taken towards an inter- 

 course with the infidels in their vicinity; and 

 religious hatred being thus weakened or lost 

 sight of in the gains of trade, the Venetians ex- 

 tended their commerce to the towns on the 

 Black Sea, and to all the countries occupied by 

 the followers of the Arabian prophet. 



This trade at the commencement, as was the 

 case in the more remote ages, was chiefly in 

 human beings. The Venetians bought slaves, 

 whether Christians or infidels, and found ready 

 purchasers among the Mahometans who had 

 possessed themselves of Sicily and Spain. They 

 proceeded farther and drew a great gain by 

 supplying weapons of war to the unbelievers. 

 This trade, though forbidden by an edict of the 



