1. Background to Othello

2. Origin Based on a true story Original short story written by an Italian named Cinthio

3. The story takes place in two main locations: Venice, Italy the island of Cyprus, which is off the coast of Turkey Setting

4. Map of Europe in the 1500’s

5. Setting cont. Venice controlled the island of Cyprus from 1489-1570. The island was a place for commerce and a good location for the Venetian fleet in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus was lost to the Turks in 1571.

6. Setting cont. Othello is asked to help defend Cyprus against the Ottoman Turks. Desdemona accompanies Othello to Cyprus. It is unusual that a woman would go with her husband on military business.

7. Venice At that time, Venice was a city-state, ruled by a Duke Laws were also made by a body of senators

8. Othello was a general who ran the military The position of General is a highly respected position of power Othello is a Moor [a native of North Africa, usually a Muslim] Moors are sometimes considered as black or Arabic Othello, once a slave, has been accepted into Venetian society and has converted to Christianity Othello the Moor

9. The Moors Invaded Spain in 711 and dominated until the 11 th century had great dynasties up until 1492, when the last of their cities was conquered by Spain virtually exterminated by Spain during the Inquisition (late 1400s- 1820)

10. The General’s second in command was a lieutenant [Michael Cassio] Young and handsome, Cassio becomes one of Iago’s victims

11. Ancient (pronounced “en-sin”) The General’s personal servant and third in command was called an [Iago] Married to Emilia (Desdemona’s attendant) Is passed up for a promotion

12. As the play begins, Othello has just eloped with Desdemona, the daughter of a senator named Brabantio