Original scientific paper

The Seal of Omiš Count Nikola Kačić from 1245

Mario Reljanović

Abstract

The document, dated 5 March 1245, on the basis of which Omiš and Dubrovnik regulated their relations, is to be found at the State Archives of Dubrovnik. Appended is single brown wax seal, round, 40 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick. Close analysis of the fragmentary seal impression provides elements for its reconstruction and interpretation. The inscription round the border is 4 mm wide, written in rustic capitals with uncial letters «m» and «t». The inscriptions reads: S(igillum) NIC(olai) D(omi)NI ET COMITI(S), that is, «the seal of Nikola Lord and Count». It reveals the owner of the seal, Count Nikola Kačić, son of Hodimir, who, on behalf of the Omiš county, made the agreement with Dubrovnik. The central motive of the seal picture is 23 mm in diameter, representing Count Nikola riding a horse. He waves a sword in his right hand, reining the horse with the left hand. The device of the armed equestrian figure was used by uncrowned rulers, neither kings nor emperors, but landlords, whose hereditary lands were converted into fiefs and later, independent counties. The equestarian seal was commonly used in Europe by members of the royalty or royal officials who ruled independently over a certain territory. Thus, the Croatian ban Opoja had the same type of equestarian seal, as well as the sons of the Hungarian King Béla IV, the viceroy Stephen, and Béla who ruled over Croatia. This type of seal generally symbolized the strong, practically independent jurisdiction of its owner over a territory.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

11786

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/11786

Publication date:

5.6.2000.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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