the republic of venice controlled most of dalmatia from 1420 to 1797. during that period, part of its slavic population was italianised. the venetian possessions were called "venetian dalmatia" and enjoyed a flourishing period of economic bonanza with huge development of the arts and culture. dalmatia was greatly influenced by the italian renaissance and many buildings, churches and cathedrals were done in those years, from zara and spalato to sebenik and ragusa.