Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
With the decline of the Bulgarian Empire, following the death of Tsar Samuil, Duklja arises as a
Serb-controlled principality in the place of the recently departed Raška.
1166
Stefan Nemanja establishes the Nemanjić dynasty, a Serbian line which is to reign for over 200
years. He is later recognised as an Orthodox saint.
1331
Allegedly the tallest man alive at the time, Dušan assumes the leadership and raises Serbia to be
one of the largest kingdoms in Europe during that period.
1355
The Balšići come to the fore. Although they assume a position amongst the Serbian nobility, it is
likely that the family actually came from a Vlach background.
1389
At the battle of Kosovo Polje much of the Serbian nobility is killed by the invading Ottoman Turks.
In time the Ottomans regroup and expand further into the Balkans.
1482
After a series of Ottoman attacks against Zeta during the late 1470s, Ivan Crnojević leads the re-
maining nobility to Cetinje, which will become the kernel of the Montenegrin state.
1521
The Ottomans take Belgrade, thereby confirming their control of Serbia. The Venetians have been
expanding along the Adriatic coast for over a century and now control most of it.
1593-1606
During the Austrian-Ottoman wars the pope attempts to incite the Montenegrins, as fellow Christi-
ans, to fight against the Ottomans, but with limited success. The Ottomans have control of Bar and
Ulcinj.
1667
A devastating earthquake hits the Adriatic coast, destroying much of Kotor, which is under Venetian
control. The city has also recently endured an outbreak of plague.
1697
