Original scientific paper
Authorities of the ragusan ambassadors as a precondition of successful expansion of the city territory
Valentina Zovko
orcid.org/0000-0002-3027-4104
; Department of History, University of Zadar
Abstract
Ragusan attempts to expand the city territory in the 14th and 15th centuries found a stronghold almost regularly in diplomatic delegations whose representatives were most distinguished and wealthy aristocrats. Outcome of their missions was a result of complex calculations whose part were authorities they were entrusted with. Freedoms they enjoyed determined their diplomatic status, and they were formed according to importance of the mission, in relation to political circumstances in the region and new forms of communication which appeared as a result of progress of the society, development of administrative apparatus and more frequent contacts. Diplomatic practice indicated to necessity of flexibility in activity in order to save time, monitor the events on the spot and timely reaction, but changes were slow. Decisions about their authorities, contained in the text of the instruction, should have had effective results in promoting interests of the entire community but some ambassadors overstepped them, despite harsh sanctions.
Keywords
Dubrovnik; ambassadors; authorities; negotiation; territorial expansion; diplomacy; Middle Ages
Hrčak ID:
118800
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2013.
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