I was doing some reading on the Venetian Bucentaur, which was a grand ship used by the Doges during the time of the Republic when they would take a trip out to sea on the Day of Ascension to perform the “marriage to the sea” ceremony.  This ritual would no doubt symbolize the intimate connection between the city-state and maritime power, given Venice's role as an aquatic republic.  But alas, it appears that when Napoleon's forces took Venice at the end of the 18th century they looted and burned the Bucentaur – as a “symbol” of Napoleon's triumph – to the dismay of Venetians even to this day.But then, get this.  In March of this year work began on the re-creation of the last Bucentaur in Venice at a cost of some 20 million euros.  To help pay for the cost of the project, the foundation footing the bill has asked Nicolas Sarkozy that France pony up with payment amounting to "a goodwill gesture to make amends for Napoleon's 'vandalism'."  Nicolas Sarkozy urged to pay for Napoleon's 'vandalism' of golden bargeI thought that was rather amusing.  I haven't read if the French will actually comply.