Did you know that Dubrovnik was once known as Ragusa? This is II in Dubrovnik. Let’s explore some fascinating aspects of this historic city. Dubrovnik’s story stretches back to the 7th century. Roman refugees fleeing destruction established Ragusa. They were escaping Slavs and Avars.
Initially, the Byzantine Empire protected these refugees. Later, Venice ruled the city. Salt and shipbuilding helped Ragusa prosper. By the 9th century, the town paid tribute to Byzantine princes. These princes controlled the land but allowed cultivation. The Ragusians used Roman knowledge to fortify their city. They even withstood a fifteen-month siege by Arabs.
In the 11th century, Byzantine influence waned. The Venetians gained trade concessions during a Byzantine-Norman war. This angered the Ragusians who sought more independence. A significant boost came when the Pope elevated the Ragusan bishopric. Clashes with other Croatian cities followed for two centuries. By the 12th century, Dubrovnik fell under Venetian rule.
The 13th century saw Dubrovnik become a vassal state of Hungary. Though self-governed, they paid taxes to the Ottoman Sultan for protection. This arrangement fostered peace from the 13th to 18th centuries. The medieval period from the 14th to 17th century was Dubrovnik’s free state era. It was a time of free thinking and innovation. Shipbuilding secrets were closely guarded. Ships were hidden under archways near the ports. The Adriatic’s tides and southern winds aided navigation toward Venice.
Interestingly, Dubrovnik abolished slavery early. In 1416, a vote forbade the slave trade. Ships carrying slaves were banned from the harbor. This was seen as an action against humanity.
The 15th century marked Dubrovnik’s recovery and Golden Age. They allied with the Ottomans. By then, they had 200 large ships that grew to 300 by the 18th century. Columbus even purchased two ships from Croatia. These were the Martin de Araguis and Pedro de Arague.
A devastating earthquake struck in 1667. It destroyed the lower part of the city. Nearly 4,000 citizens died. The 18th century brought underground grain silos. Water was pumped from nearby mountains for siege resistance. There were many Ragusian consulates worldwide. During the Napoleonic Wars, Dubrovnik was briefly neutral.
In 1991, war returned as Croatia declared independence. Bombs rocked the city. Citizens sought refuge in a monastery. A well there provided essential water. Damage affected nearly two-thirds of the buildings. Today, you can see brighter red tiles on rebuilt rooftops. The darker tiles are original.
The city’s construction began at the highest point, the Castellum. A channel separated Dubrovnik from the mainland. This offered natural protection. The northern wall was highest for defense against Slavs. By the 13th century, the channel became the main street. It is now known as Placa.
Dubrovnik was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It was recognized for its medieval architecture. Its well-preserved walls contributed to this honor. The city’s history, diplomacy, and maritime trade are definitely worth exploring.