The Royal Charter of king Tvrtko I Kotromanić issued to the Ragusan commune (Žrnovnice, 10th April 1378 – Trstivnica, 17th June 1378)

Abstract

Last quarter of the 13th Century was a period when medieval Bosnian state reached its peak in territorial expansion and military strength. These accomplishments were followed by the elevation of the influence and reputation, so the Bosnian ruler, ban Tvrtko I, sought new ways to enhance his power and status. Tvrtko accomplished that in October 1377 when he was crowned as the king of the Serbs, Bosnia and Primorje. With that ceremony medieval Bosnian state entered in the exclusive circle of medieval kingdoms. However, the source material about this event unfortunately is very scarce. One of the most important written material that contain king Tvrtkos’ own view on his ruling ideology, is the charter from April/June 1378 issued to the Republic of Ragusa. Also, regarding the inner composition of the charter it represents the crossroad in praxis of the Bosnian courtly chancery, when eastern Serbian/Byzantine influence took primacy. In that regard this charter is of big significance for the Slavic studies as well.