@gleick The Venetians were strict in the rule regarding the wealth of their lifetime rulers, And had a method of constraining grand larceny by the ruler.
On election The Doge had his wealth calculated when appointed and was forbidden on pain of death of accepting anything of lasting value.
Fruit and flowers were acceptable, but If a Doge was found to have accepted gifts that increased his fortune during his rule, he was stripped of his wealth and banished, as were his children.