Marino Falier

Marino Falier (c. 1274–1355) was the 55th Doge of Venice, born into one of its oldest patrician houses. He had headed the Council of Ten and served as bailo of Negroponte before his election as doge on 11 September 1354, at about eighty, while ambassador to Pope Innocent VI at Avignon.

He came home to a Republic at war with Genoa, and on 4 November the Genoese destroyed the Venetian fleet at Sapienza. By April 1355 he was plotting with commoners to cut down the patricians and rule as prince.

Tradition traces his grievance to a Carnival slight. Betrayed on 14 April, he was beheaded on 17 April. In 1366 the Council of Ten had his portrait effaced and an inscription recording his treason put in its place.