In 1489, Venice began its control of the island of Cyprus located in the eastern Mediterranean.  Cyprus in addition to the other Greek Islands were very essential to Venice's large merchant and naval fleet as the islands were used for supply routes and strategic points.  The island of Cyprus added to Venice's wealth and power.  Also, the island of Cyprus provided Venice with goods of cotton, sugar, and salt.  Source: http://www.venicethefuture.com/schede/uk/169?aliusid=169 This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or less.