May 10 2013
Categories: Nations
Demetrius Zvonimir and Stephen II
0By leading an active foreign policy, Zvonimir maintained the power of the Kingdom at the same level as did his predecessor, and throughout his reign Croatia continued facing feudal system that was infiltrating from the west of Europe. Zvonimir's son Radovan died before his father, thus after king Zvonimir's mystical death, he is succeeded by the last descendant of the Trpimirović dynasty, Stephen II, who will rule for only two years. Read more on this topic in the last article of the series "Trpimirović, a dinasty of Croatian rulers".
Apr 20 2013
Categories: Nations
Demetrius Zvonimir
0During Krešimir's reign, Zvonimir, who was ban at the time, successfully ended a conflict with the Istrian margrave Ulrich I Weimar Orlamünde, and by doing so obtruded himself as Krešimir's heir. In 1075 Zvonimir was crowned in Solin a king of Croatia and Dalmatia. With this act, he became a papal vassal. In return, pope Gregory VII helped Zvonimir by providing him protection against Vecelin, a knight that invaded the Kingdom of Dalmatia. Zvonimir is mentioned as a Croatian king in Baška tablet, an old Croatian monument from 1100 written in Glagolitsa. His capital was Knin, and his main objective was to rely on the Church, thus to give up the old dynastic tradition.
Apr 07 2013
Categories: Nations
Petar Krešimir IV
2After his ascension to the throne, Peter Krešimir IV was faced with the ongoing schism. The church council held in 1060 was aimed to preserve the unity of Christian West, since Dalmatian cities were politically and traditionally tied to Byzantium. Shortly before the crisis that distressed the Empire, Dalmatia found itself under the jurisdiction of Croatian king. Krešimir's residence was Biograd, and his active external and internal politics resulted in the spreading of Croatian borders further than any ruler before him.
Apr 04 2013
Categories: Nations
The Heirs of Stjepan Držislav
0The newly started war in Croatia resulted in occupation of Dalmatia by Venetians, led by doge Pietro Orseolo, and the same policy was continued by his son Otto. The new ruler Krešimir III and his coruler Gojislav were at first in good relations with Pietro Orseolo and Basil II, who's authority they formally acknowledged. But following the strengthening of opposition in Venice, regarding the hereditary policy of the Orseolos, Krešimir decides to invade Dalmatia, a move which would later prove to be hasted. In the fights against Basil II, Croats were assisted by Hungarians, and good relations to the northern neighbors were also preserved by Krešimir's heir Stjepan I. During Stjepan's reign, the function of Croatian bishop in Knin was reestablished.