Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.21857/yrvgqtwpe9
Women of Balšić dynasty in Dubrovnik in the late middle ages
Marijan Premović
orcid.org/0000-0001-6698-9462
; Filozofski fakultet Univerziteta Crne Gore, Nikšić, Crna Gora
Sažetak
Diplomatic contacts between Dubrovnik and Zeta were the result of geographical proximity, political and trade interests, and therefore cooperation was motivated by subsistence. The Dubrovnik authorities recognized the importance of the potential participation of the Balšić family women in the process of achieving their political and commercial interests. They saw an ally in them, with the power to influence, directly or indirectly, and address specific diplomatic objectives of Dubrovnik. The Balšić family women most often came to the City when they were in trouble (Ruđina, Evdokija, and Goislava), for trade negotiations (Teodora) or when they were passing through (Jelena). These visits were recorded only once for each. It should be noted that sometimes the planned arrivals of the Balšić women (Jelena and Komnina) did not take place, although the Dubrovnik authorities had prepared everything for their visit and accommodation. Sometimes the visit would cause a third-party discontent. For example, the arrival of Evdokija and her sons to the City caused the disapproval of the Serbian Despot, and thus the Dubrovnik official, who avoided the contact using his skilled diplomacy and graciously saw their guests off. During the arrival and stay of these women, Dubrovnik authorities demonstrated symbolic piety towards them. Generous hospitality was reflected in the selection of food acknowledging their rank. For example, Teodora was given one ducat to spend on food, while Evdokija and her sons were given three ducats a week. When this value is converted into food, we can see that Teodora got more, as the city leaders had trade interest in their families because of customs in Vlora. The value of Dubrovnik gifts can be put in correlation with their ambitions and interests. Thus, for example, for the wedding of Ruđina Balšić and Mrkša Žarković (1402), Evdokija Balšić and Esau de’ Buondelmonti (1402), the city leaders gave them a present of 100 perpers, paying them equal respect. For example, the marriage of the Zeta princess Jelena Balšić with the Bosnian Duke Sandalj Hranić in December 1411 was an act that immediately got exceptional political significance among the Dubrovnik authorities. This can be seen in a wedding gift of 1,000 ducats, four times the amount given to Ruđina and Evdokija. Such an act should be interpreted with the extremely high political importance and reputation Sandalj had for Dubrovnik authorities in the achievement of their diplomatic goals. The gifts given to the guest at departure were an essential part of the foreign policy code, which expressed gratitude and respect. With the selection of gifts, the authorities showed different treatment of their guests. The gift was adjusted to the current and future interests of Dubrovnik. For example, Jelena, Teodora, Goislava, and Evdokija, were given 100 perpers each, while Ruđina was given half the amount. With these gifts, the city authorities invested in the support of these women with the aim of achieving their pragmatic goals. The Dubrovnik hospitality and gifts were used as a method to bribe the Balšić women. Problems and corruption were hidden behind gifts and investments. Greedy, gullible women, who were their guests, were not immune to them. Dubrovnik believed that if they won these women over through diplomatic means, they would work for their strategic interests and thus achieve a long-term economic prosperity.
Ključne riječi
Dubrovnik; Zeta; late Middle Ages; women; Balšić
Hrčak ID:
312803
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.12.2023.
Posjeta: 315 *