In 1204 Constantinople was captured in the course of the 4th Crusade and, both at that time and later during the 13th century, much valuable material was taken from the city and shipped back for the adornment of Venice.
En 1204 Constantinopla foi capturada no transcurso da cuarta Cruzada e, a partir dese momento, durante o século XIII, os materiais máis valiosos foi tomado da cidade e enviado para adornar Venecia.