Original scientific paper

THE LASTOVO REBELS OF 1602

Nenad Vekarić

Abstract

A group of old noble families of the island of Lastovo—under the leadership of the descendants of župan (chieftain) Desislav—rose to prominence on the local political scene through a specific form of oligarchy. They were confronted, however, by a group of local noblemen supported by the central Ragusan government which considered the oligarchy a threat to its sovereignty over Lastovo. Placed under control, the former ruling faction tried to restore its position. Their revolt was articulated in the form of resistance against the new limits of Lastovo’s autonomy, trying to arouse the allegiance of many islanders, in which they partly succeeded. The group managed to involve the Venetians into the conflict, as well. However, given the European power constellation, the rebellion was doomed to failure. Though militarily inferior to Venice, the Republic of Dubrovnik managed to retain the island and consolidate its sovereignty over the territory. In practice, this implied the end of Lastovo’s oligarchy and the permanent limitation of the island’s autonomy.

Keywords

Dubrovnik; Venice; Lastovo; 17th C.; autonomy; nobility; oligarchy; revolt

Hrčak ID:

8290

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/8290

Publication date:

23.5.2006.

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