Ottoman control of the eastern Mediterranean and the discoveries of sea routes to Asia around Africa and of the Americas had a debilitating effect on the Venetian economy .
However , as the Ottoman Empire grew more powerful and aggressive , Venice was often put on the defensive .
Ottoman control of the eastern Mediterranean and the discoveries of sea routes to Asia around Africa and of the Americas had a debilitating effect on the Venice economy .
However , as the Ottoman Empire grew more powerful and aggressive , Venice was often put on the defensive .