Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Danilo becomes
vladika
(prince-bishop) and establishes the Petrović dynasty. He mediates disputes
between tribes and clans and within 15 years begins the fight back against the Ottomans.
1784
Petar I is consecrated as
vladika,
eventually becoming an enduring military and spiritual hero. In 1796
he defeats the Ottoman renegade Kara Mahmud and expands Montenegrin territory considerably.
1797-1815
Napoleon brings the Venetian Republic to an end; Venetian dominions are initially given to the
Habsburgs, but in 1806 Napoleon gains the Adriatic coast, which he dubs the Illyrian Provinces.
1800s
Petar I courts Russia in the hope of military and financial support in the struggle against the Otto-
mans. Russia's interest waxes and wanes in the wake of other diplomatic priorities.
1830
Petar II Petrović Njegoš rules as the last
vladika
and becomes one of the nation's most acclaimed lead-
ers. His epic poem
The Mountain Wreath
is regarded as Montenegro's greatest literary work.
1851
Njegoš' nephew Danilo becomes the country's first secular leader, taking the title 'prince'. He is as-
sassinated in 1860, a victim of a blood feud with a rival Montenegrin clan.
1876-78
Wars of independence see Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro win their freedom from the rapidly
shrinking Ottoman Empire. Montenegro triples in size, gaining Nikšić, Podgorica, Žabljak and Bar.
1910
Prince Nikola takes the title of king, raising eyebrows across Europe that such a diminutive and im-
poverished territory, home to only 200,000 souls, could really qualify as a kingdom.
1918
The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes is created in the aftermath of WWI. Serbia's King Petar
I Karađorđević assumes the monarchy. Montenegro is included within his domains.
1920-39
