The republic's status waned in the 18th century as new Atlantic trade routes opened up. After a series of devastating naval defeats, mostly to the Ottoman Empire, Venice was overrun by the French and the Austrians in 1797 and was then divided up between the two. Today, you can see remnants of Venetian power scattered around the former republic, including the city's lion symbol on the walls of Kotor in Montenegro and grand fortification walls in Corfu, Greece.

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These fascinating countries no longer exist