Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21857/mnlqgc0e0y
Political relations between Đurađ II Stracimirović Balšić and Dubrovnik (1385–1403)
Marijan Premović
orcid.org/0000-0001-6698-9462
; Filozofski fakultet Univerziteta Crne Gore, Nikšić, Crna Gora
Sažetak
In this article, political relations between the ruler of Zeta, Đurađ II Stracimirović Balšić, and Dubrovnik in the period 1385–1403 have been elaborated. The research material has been provided by relevant historical literature, published and unpublished material from the State Archives in Dubrovnik. The article is divided into eight sections: Đurađ II rises to power in Zeta, and his first contacts with Dubrovnik; the charter for citizens of Dubrovnik of 27 January 1386; assigning the citizenship of Dubrovnik; the diplomatic activity of citizens of Dubrovnik and stay of Đurađ II and his family in the town; occasional breaks in trade relations and trade prohibitions; political activities in the Southern Adriatic – contextualization and the role of Zeta and Dubrovnik; the last years of the reign of the ruler of Zeta; conclusion. Political relations between Zeta and Dubrovnik in the studied period were intense. Several months after Đurađ II had seized power, the citizens of Dubrovnik sent envoys to obtain a confirmation of trade preferences and privileges, which had been granted to the town by his predecessors. The new ruler of Zeta issued a charter on 27 January 1386 confirming friendship and the granted freedom of trade. Đurađ II Stracimirović was awarded honorary citizenship of Dubrovnik (on 15 October 1388) as a token of gratitude for his intervention with the Ottoman Army commander Šahin at the moment of intended attack on the Dubrovnik Republic. The political motive for granting Đurađ citizenship was a sign of deep gratitude for his help in preventing the Ottoman attack on the city. We have chronologically tackled diplomatic missions of Dubrovnik's envoys in the country of the Balšić family, as well as the basic guidelines thereof. Many prominent Dubrovnik names participated in diplomatic missions in Zeta. Matheus de Vita Georgio was involved in most of the diplomatic missions. The envoys had different objectives: certificate of trading privileges in 1386; protection of trade and merchants; medical treatment of the ruler of Zeta and his family (1387, 1389, 1390 and 1403); mediation in the following conflicts: with Bosnian King Tvrtko I in 1388 and 1389; with Kotor in 1391; with Radič Crnojević in 1395; with Duke Sandalj Hranić of Bosnia in 1398, etc. The diplomatic activity of Dubrovnik was mainly directed at ensuring freedom and smooth development of trade. Presents played a highly important role in diplomatic relations between Dubrovnik and Zeta. The ruler of Zeta was most frequently presented with textile – in accordance with his needs, interests and preferences. The Council of Dubrovnik registers a number of visits of Đurađ II. The reasons behind his visits were various: finding refuge for his family from Ottoman imminent attack; making a plea for diplomatic mediation; seeking help in weapons or repair of weapons. At the end of December 1396, King Žigmund granted Đurađ II the title of Prince of Korčula and Hvar (1397–1402, with an interruption in 1401). Political relations between Zeta and Dubrovnik were generally good. However, some minor misunderstandings occurred in 1396, 1397 and 1403 due to Đurađ’s people having illegally taken the customs taxes and attacked merchants from Dubrovnik. These misunderstandings had, however, little effect on external political relations. Thanks to their skilled diplomacy, the citizens of Dubrovnik successfully eliminated the misunderstandings; the good will from the Zeta side acted in common interest as well. Both parties managed to create good relations by investing mutual effort in common interest.
Ključne riječi
Đurađ II Stracimirović Balšić; Dubrovnik; Zeta; late Middle Ages; Southern Adriatic; political relations; diplomacy; envoys
Hrčak ID:
210540
URI
Datum izdavanja:
6.12.2018.
Posjeta: 1.959 *