Original scientific paper

MOTIVES FOR THE CHOICE OF ST. BLASIUS AS PATRON SAINT OF THE CITY OF DUBROVNIK

Anđelko Badurina ; Zagreb

Abstract

In the process of forming of a mediaeval community and identity, also symbolic motives are required in addition to geographic, climatic and economic possibilities. The bearer of that motivation is the patron saint.
The city of Dubrovnik, the successor of the ancient city of Epidaurus, is situated in the border zone between the East and West, between the Mediterranean and the European continent.
The patron saint of Dubrovnik has been St. Blasius from the 11th century onwards. The saint, the bishop-martyr from Sebasta in Asia Minor, was chosen as patron saint of Dubrovnik, »over all other patron saints«. There are certain indications that St. Hylarion, St. Sergius and St. Pancratius – some of them »Eastern« and others »Vestern« saints – had formerly been the patron saints of Dubrovnik.
Why was St. Blasius chosen just in that period?
In the early 11th century both armed and diplomatic conflicts, centering upon the question of domination over the Adriatic, were in the course between the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice. In order to preserve its independence, the city of Dubrovnik chose an »Eastern« saint who was also worshiped in the West, and obtained his relics (the skull encased in gold and adorned with enamel). The city fathers concluded that it was more convenient to lean against the Byzantine Empire, which was satisfied with the regular payment of a tribute, than to depend on the Republic of Venice, which had other pretensions, by far more dangerous for Dubrovnik.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

159460

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/159460

Publication date:

23.12.1980.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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