The Signioria

The Venetians were particularly assiduous in administering their new possession. The two-storey Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace), seat of the Duca di Candia (Duke of Candia), the island's supreme governor, was situated on the northwest side of the Piazze delle Biade (Corn Square) in Chandax. Elected in Venice, the duke discharged his duties with the aid of two consilarii (advisors). This triumvirate comprised the Signoria (Supreme Authority) of Crete and served a two-year term. Chandax was also the seat of the Capitano di Candia, chief military commander of Crete. All high-ranking officials came from Venice and were, as a rule, members of prominent aristocratic families.

The island was initially divided up into six sestieri or administrative districts, along the lines of the Venetian model, but from the early 14^th century these were reduced to four teritorii more or less corresponding to the modern day prefectures.

In times of crisis, Venice would send a Provveditor General, an official with wide-ranging emergency powers.