Enes Dedić

THE LOST ARCHIVE: TRACES OF COMMUNICATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN PRESERVED BETWEEN BOSNIAN AND SERBIAN COURTS IN THE 15TH CENTURY

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DOI: 10.34298/ZR9788677431600.D259
UDC: 339(497.5:450.521)212/14“:667.271
pp. 259–281
language: english

Abstract:
From today’s perspective, direct communication between the Bosnian and Serbian courts in the 15th century is evidenced only by a transcript of a diplomatic document from October 1458. It is the charter of King Tomaš issued to the logothete Stefan Ratković. Despite this, according to documents from neighbouring countries, it is possible to shed some light on the issue of their mutual communication. Given that these are neighbouring countries with a large common border, it is quite logical to conclude that during the 15th century there was fairly frequent interaction between the population and political elites. During this period, Bosnian and Serbian rulers fought, made peace, were part of the same or opposing coalitions of a broader nature, negotiated, made various agreements and other contacts, as was usual during the late medieval times. For these purposes, envoys were certainly sent to diplomatic missions in both directions. In addition to direct communication, Bosnian and Serbian dignitaries frequently communicated through the Ragusan authorities and their extensive network of diplomats. With the indirect information that arrived in Ragusa through the Bosnian, Serbian, and Ragusan envoys, it is possible to single out data that indicate direct diplomatic contacts and communication. Traces of communication between the Bosnian and Serbian courts can also be followed through documents created by the Venetian authorities and the Hungarian kings. This research aims to determine the traces of this communication and situate them within the political context of the countries involved at the time.

Keywords:
Bosnian Kingdom, Serbian Despotate, correspondence, diplomatic missions, Republic of Ragusa, rulers, nobility.