Arhivski vjesnik, Vol. 51 No. 1, 2008.
Preliminary communication
Istrian Demarcation ("Istraski razvod": important source for the mediaeval economic history of Istria
Dražen Vlahov
Abstract
A paper is occupied with Istrian Demarcation – a document from 14th century which was defining boundaries, ridges and confines (kunfini) between Istrian mediaeval municipalities (communes), belonging to the Dukedom of Pazin, Patriarchy of Aquileia, and Venetian Republic – as an important and unavoidable source for study of mediaeval economic history of Istria. As a proof for such opinion attention is devoted to those parts of the document which speak on cattle breeding, viticulture, agriculture, forestry, and fishery, with conclusion that:
- Cattle breeding was important industry in Istria. Besides meat, milk and milk products (cheese, curd…) cattle was giving wool and leather for production of clothes and footwear. One could say that survival of people of particular territory was depending on the quantity of cattle, what is confirmed with positively solved request of Stari Pazar to widen pasture area for its village Gradin (vas Gradin).
- Production of crops was also important economic field in Istria. Production of crops dictated quantity of feudal taxes on which speaks Istrian Demarcation.
- Viticulture was also treated as an important production branch. Forestry lands were cleared to raise new vineyards and to improve production of wine.
- In municipalities situated at the coastal area fishery was additional source of food supply.
- Posession of forestry lands was very apreciated, and important in evaluation of economic strentgh of municipalities (communes). Forests weren't only source of fuel, but also of materials for building houses and production of vessels, and even for roofing.
- Exchanges of agricultural surpluses were taking place in fairs organized beside church buildings during festivities of their patron saints.
Keywords
Istrian Demarcation; pastures; cattle breeding; vineyards; forests; fishery; zatka (piece of land; recently cultivated); fair
Hrčak ID:
29495
URI
Publication date:
8.12.2008.
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