A review of sources, literature and events about the Mongol incursion on the Croatian historical area

Abstract

The paper deals with historical review of the Mongol invasion on Croatian historical area in the 13th century. Author's focus is on the review of the most relevant sources and literature about this topic and the review of historical happenings, occasions which determined them and their consequences on society in personal union of Croatia and Hungary in the first half of the 13th century. From narrative sources the focus is set on first-rate sources as Historia Salonitana by Thomas the Archdeacon and Carmen miserabile by Roger of Torre Maggiore which are available in digitalised version and on the literature with focus on the achievements of Croatian historiography. The purpose of the paper is to present issues of dealing with this topic from different angles by pointing out misunderstandings derived from dissimilar interpretations, fragmentation and lack of relevant historical sources. Historical authenticity of the Battle on Grobnik field is typical example of historiographical dispute connected with invasion of Mongols in Croatian lands considering that in various interpretations of this battle historical facts have opposed to legends and national myths of the 19th century which operationalized the existing folk tradition.