Venice has a rich culinary heritage that is deeply connected to its history as a powerful maritime republic. Its strategic position along trading routes meant that it was a melting pot of different cultures, which greatly influenced its cuisine. Spices from the East, corn (polenta) from the Americas, and rice (risotto) which was cultivated in the nearby Vento region have all played significant roles in defining Venetian food. Over the centuries, Venice developed its unique style of cooking that emphasizes local ingredients from the lagoon and surrounding areas, such as seafood, vegetables from the island of Sant’Erasmo, and game from the Veneto countryside. Along with these, traditional techniques like marinating (saor), preserving (sotto'lio), and slow-cooking (stufato) help to define the character of Venetian cuisine.