Venice At War

The flag of Venice uses one symbol—the Lion of Saint Mark—but in two modes:1. Lion with an open book (LIBER)Book shows the words “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus.”This is the peace-time flag.Symbolises Venice as a lawful, commercial, diplomatic republic.Used on state buildings, merchant ships, and most civic occasions.2. Lion with a swordThe lion holds a drawn sword instead of an open book.This is the war-time or military flag.Used historically by the Venetian navy and army.Symbolises defence, sovereignty, and martial authority.