The formation of the Council of Ten in 1310 concentrates power in the hands of a few aristocratic families. It was a central [G 01 / autocratic] body set up ostensibly for `national security.'
The Council was immensely powerful with an extensive spy network in the city to warn against internal threat. Citizens could make secret accusations against other citizens by putting a written note into [L3 203 / `bocche di leone'] (stone boxes). These sometimes led to arrests. Any trace of treason or revolt was investigated and those suspected of crimes against the state were taken down into torture chambers below the Doge's Palace. Here, the most advanced techniques of extracting information were used until they confessed their guilt.
After the establishment of the Council of Ten, the [G 09 / doge] became a mere figurehead of Venice, presiding over ceremonies and living in his vast palace as a virtual prisoner. He was completely controlled by the aristocracy who guarded their privileges jealously.
