Overview
The Doge of Venice was the highest role of authority within the Republic of Venice (697 CE to 1797 CE). The word "Doge" originates from the Latin word "Dux," which translates to "leader" or "Duke."
The Doge of Venice acted as both the head of state and head of the Venetian oligarchy. Doges were elected for life through a complex voting process.
History
Byzantine Era
The first Doge of Venice, Paolo Lucio Anafesto, was elected in 697 CE and served until 717 CE. Anafesto was not a typical Venetian Doge, as he was subject of Byzantium. While he is considered to be the first Doge of Venice, Venetians were not truly free from the Byzantine Empire until 742 CE.
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).