Oltremarini

Oltremarini regiments
Reggimenti Oltramarini
Schiavoni
18th-century member of the Oltremarini
Founded15th century
Disbanded12 May 1797
CountryRepublic of Venice
TypeMarines
Size11 regiments of around 6000 men
In war up to 10,000
17,000 (1650)
11,000 (1797)
HeadquartersZadar
Nickname(s)"Fedelissimi Schiavoni"
PatronJerome
Motto(s)"Viva San Marco"
Colors Dark blue
Scarlet
AnniversariesBattle of Lepanto (7 October)
Wars

The Oltramarini or Schiavoni regiments (Italian: Reggimenti Oltramarini/Schiavoni) comprised the overseas infantry of the Republic of Venice. They were a Dalmatian infantry corps organized within the Venetian navy as the elite infantry. They especially stood out in the wars against the Ottoman Empire throughout the Venetian overseas possessions, but also for their service in Terraferma, the Venetian possessions in the hinterland of Venice in northern Italy. In addition, they performed the duties of the bodyguard, first of the provveditore, and later as the personal guard of the Doge himself.[1]

A memorial plaque, dedicated to the Dalmatian Oltramarines and their service, erected on the bicentenary of the fall of Venice. Riva degli Schiavoni
  1. ^ A Companion to Venetian History, 1400-1797. BRILL. 2013-07-11. ISBN 978-90-04-25252-3.