The present study aims to analyse the diplomatic relations entered by Venice with two Islamic potentates in order to ransom Venetian prisoners, from the 14th century to the 15th century. The author investigates in particular, as a case study, the relations with the Hafside Emirate and the rising Ottoman authority. The former have been examined until 1436, when the Muda of Barbary was established. The research concerning the relations with the Ottoman authority has been brought forward until the siege of Costantinople. Thanks to the documents, consisting mostly in Senate deliberations, it is possible to recreate the development of a multifaceted diplomatic praxis, before the establishment, from the 16th on, of specific institutions with the only purpose of ransoming the captives held by Islamic potentates.
Keywords: Venice, Hafside Emirate, Ottoman, Mediterranean Sea, Captives, Diplomacy