Changes

The mystery clears then when the '''Illyrians''' become powerful lords of the Adriatic. Their king Agron, asserting his authority on the other neighbouring islands also occupied Korčula, in 230 B.C.<ref>In the original book the date was 250B.C. Latest historic research states 230 B.C. to be more accurate (Illyricum & Roman Politics 229 BC-AD 68 by  

The mystery clears then when the '''Illyrians''' become powerful lords of the Adriatic. Their king Agron, asserting his authority on the other neighbouring islands also occupied Korčula, in 230 B.C.<ref>In the original book the date was 250B.C. Latest historic research states 230 B.C. to be more accurate (Illyricum & Roman Politics 229 BC-AD 68 by  

Danijel Dzino)</ref>  On his death regaining its independence, the widow queen '''Teuta''' <ref>'''Queen Teuta''' (Ancient Greek: Τεύτα) was an Illyrian queen of the Ardiaei tribe who reigned approximately from 229 BC to 227 BC.</ref> took control of it again until Demetrius Fario, appointed as its prefect, surrendered it to the '''Romans''' together with Lesina (Hvar) his homeland.  Whether Agron and Teuta had forcefully occupied the island with the use of arms, cannot be affirmed. The Alexandrian Appiano says no more than: ''"and once (they) conquered the island of Pharum (Hvar)"'' <ref>[[Latin]] section: ''"Pharumque bello captum"''</ref>; which makes us think it occurred due to combined dedication.  Only in the times of ''Caesar'' '''Octavian Augustus''' (35 B.C.) does the name in the history of human events appear clear.  It is known now for the first time, that the Curzolani (inhabitants of Korčula) tried to seal their reacquired freedom with their own blood. They resisted with anguished courage to the arms of the Triumvir who had come in person to conquer it. The punishment was equal to the resistance. The Alexandrian Appiano tells us of the severity of the punishment and the cause of the war:  {{quote|''After a fierce war, Divus Augustus defeated the inhabitants of Melite <ref>Melite is the island of Mljet. '''Mljet''' is an island in the Adriatic Sea, in the ''Dubrovnik-Neretva County'' of '''Croatia.'''</ref> and Corcyra <ref>Corcyra is the island of Korčula</ref> who, at that time, were running out of supplies; the reason for the war was that these islanders had resorted to piracy and used to infest the sea with their fleet. All the adults were killed at once, while the remaining people were sold as slaves '' <ref>Latin section:'' "Divus Augustus deficientes Melitenses et Corcyrenses qui Insulas incolunt; ingenti belli mole superavit, quoniam maria classe praedebatur.  Puberes ad unum caesi cetera multitudo sub corona venit"''</ref>}}  But if Octavian in the repression caused it to be damaged, he didn’t consider it unworthy of his attention for its benefit; sending Roman colonists to it to direct it for better understanding and regulated habits, paving the way to a much greater cultivation and lessening the original coarseness. If the gravestones which are being unearthed among the ruins scattered across the island bear witness to the existence of the Roman colonies, they explain their purpose.

Danijel Dzino)</ref>  On his death regaining its independence, the widow queen '''Teuta''' <ref>'''Queen Teuta''' (Ancient Greek: Τεύτα) was an Illyrian queen of the Ardiaei tribe who reigned approximately from 229 BC to 227 BC.</ref> took control of it again until Demetrius Fario, appointed as its prefect, surrendered it to the '''Romans''' together with Lesina (Hvar) his homeland.  Whether Agron and Teuta had forcefully occupied the island with the use of arms, cannot be affirmed. The Alexandrian Appiano says no more than: ''"and once (they) conquered the island of Pharum (Hvar)"'' <ref>[[Latin]] section: ''"Pharumque bello captum"''</ref>; which makes us think it occurred due to combined dedication.  Only in the times of ''Caesar'' '''Octavian Augustus''' (35 B.C.) does the name in the history of human events appear clear.  It is known now for the first time, that the Curzolani (inhabitants of Korčula) tried to seal their reacquired freedom with their own blood. They resisted with anguished courage to the arms of the Triumvir who had come in person to conquer it. The punishment was equal to the resistance. The Alexandrian Appiano tells us of the severity of the punishment and the cause of the war:  {{quote|

''After a fierce war, Divus Augustus defeated the inhabitants of Melite <ref>Melite is the island of Mljet. '''Mljet''' is an island in the Adriatic Sea, in the ''Dubrovnik-Neretva County'' of '''Croatia.'''</ref> and Corcyra <ref>Corcyra is the island of Korčula</ref> who, at that time, were running out of supplies; the reason for the war was that these islanders had resorted to piracy and used to infest the sea with their fleet. All the adults were killed at once, while the remaining people were sold as slaves '' <ref>Latin section:'' "Divus Augustus deficientes Melitenses et Corcyrenses qui Insulas incolunt; ingenti belli mole superavit, quoniam maria classe praedebatur.  Puberes ad unum caesi cetera multitudo sub corona venit"''</ref>}}  But if Octavian in the repression caused it to be damaged, he didn’t consider it unworthy of his attention for its benefit; sending Roman colonists to it to direct it for better understanding and regulated habits, paving the way to a much greater cultivation and lessening the original coarseness. If the gravestones which are being unearthed among the ruins scattered across the island bear witness to the existence of the Roman colonies, they explain their purpose.

[[File:Curzola of old.jpg|thumb|right|300px| Town of Korcula (Curzola-1708)]]

[[File:Curzola of old.jpg|thumb|right|300px| Town of Korcula (Curzola-1708)]]

Korčula, from its origins to the present time, has been in existence for 3,038 years, and history classifies its political life in the following phases:  

Korčula, from its origins to the present time, has been in existence for 3,038 years, and history classifies its political life in the following phases:  

Protected by the Roman eagles, Korčula enjoyed peace and was well-off. Nor due to the change of events did she try to  claim freedom; and as at first was faithful to Rome when the Empire divided she was ruled by Constantinople.  But with the Caesar's loss of power the days of pain were nearing.

Protected by the Roman eagles, Korčula enjoyed peace and was well-off. Nor due to the change of events did she try to  claim freedom; and as at first was faithful to Rome when the Empire divided she was ruled by Constantinople.  But with the Caesar's loss of power the days of pain were nearing.

From a very old report discovered recently, that we don’t consider apocryphal, is noted how frightening the invasion of the Narentani (Neretva pirates) was for the island, and as to a certain king ''who, escaping the persecution of Narentani's fleet, built a fortress in Siralievaz'', <ref>Latin sections: ''"qui fugiens a persecution galearum Narentinorum construxit arcem in Siralievax"''</ref>  in which with one hundred of his followers he had stationed himself, succeeded to gather the surrounding defence to himself. This king would have built other fortresses there:  Maxima Autem, says the report, {{quote| ''but the biggest fortress was the one erected in a place that locals call Bradat, close to the dwelling of a good man, a saint whose name is Saint Visko'' <ref>Latin section:''"arx fuit in domorio incolum quem locum appellant Bradat apud domum unius hominis probi, et sacnti quem incolae dicunt Sveti Visko"''</ref>}} He had the inhabitants of Korčula equip six prisons at his own expense, and thus also erect three shelters. Of all this there are obvious ruins to date.  {{quote| ''(the king) erected three shelters in the harbour facing the northern side of the mountain called Gradina, where our merciful king's fleet used to be stationed... Not so far from the inner sea of the Island, there is a place favourable for fighting against the powerful Narentani pirates, who were a huge nuisance.'' <ref>Latin section: ''"in portu ad septentrionem montis sic dicti Gradinae ubi sistebant naves nostril regis clementissimi.....non longe maris interni Insulae aptus locus est ad debellandos piratas fortes Narentinos molestos valde"''</ref>}}  

From a very old report discovered recently, that we don’t consider apocryphal, is noted how frightening the invasion of the Narentani (Neretva pirates) was for the island, and as to a certain king ''who, escaping the persecution of Narentani's fleet, built a fortress in Siralievaz'', <ref>Latin sections: ''"qui fugiens a persecution galearum Narentinorum construxit arcem in Siralievax"''</ref>  in which with one hundred of his followers he had stationed himself, succeeded to gather the surrounding defence to himself. This king would have built other fortresses there:  Maxima Autem, says the report, {{quote|  

''but the biggest fortress was the one erected in a place that locals call Bradat, close to the dwelling of a good man, a saint whose name is Saint Visko'' <ref>Latin section:''"arx fuit in domorio incolum quem locum appellant Bradat apud domum unius hominis probi, et sacnti quem incolae dicunt Sveti Visko"''</ref>}} He had the inhabitants of Korčula equip six prisons at his own expense, and thus also erect three shelters. Of all this there are obvious ruins to date.  {{quote|

''(the king) erected three shelters in the harbour facing the northern side of the mountain called Gradina, where our merciful king's fleet used to be stationed... Not so far from the inner sea of the Island, there is a place favourable for fighting against the powerful Narentani pirates, who were a huge nuisance.'' <ref>Latin section: ''"in portu ad septentrionem montis sic dicti Gradinae ubi sistebant naves nostril regis clementissimi.....non longe maris interni Insulae aptus locus est ad debellandos piratas fortes Narentinos molestos valde"''</ref>}}  

Despite the relentless defence bravely sustained by the inhabitants, most from the Mattani in the fortress of Siralievaz, every effort was useless, the king was compelled to flee from the island; in fact he was almost taken by the Narentani in the sortie made from the western promontory, if he had not been freed on the part of the islanders.  The reporter gives his name as '''Ristle''' and declares himself minister of the king, after his death which occurred elsewhere with royal brother Ottoniero, states that he returned to the island, where he had a sister desponsata Patron Spaho: {{quote| ''(the minister says: I had) a sister married to patron Spaho (Editors notes: patron Spaho is someone who has undertaken to protect the interests of a community), lord of the beautiful land of Sitnizza, where he used to pitch his tent and hunt birds.... and I found that Narentani plundered many things. My strength abandoned me  when I saw the fleet and the fields... We cannot move any further without incurring in our strong enemies.'' <ref>Latin section: ''".... domino domorij Sitinitiani (Sitnizza) pulcherimi agri in quo habebat tentorio et capiebat aves ... et inveni, continues, Narentinos depopulasse multa.  Omnes mee vires sestebant in conspectioneagrorum atque navium ... nos non possumus prodire nullibi, nisi in fortes hostes incurramus."''</ref>}}  There was hard aggression committed to both towns of which the ruins can still be seen in ''Bradat'' and ''Potirna''.<ref>'''Potirna''' is a village on the west end of the island of Korcula in Croatia.</ref> They were inhabited also by Roman families, as the gravestones and many other ancient pieces unearthed not so long ago bear witness.

Despite the relentless defence bravely sustained by the inhabitants, most from the Mattani in the fortress of Siralievaz, every effort was useless, the king was compelled to flee from the island; in fact he was almost taken by the Narentani in the sortie made from the western promontory, if he had not been freed on the part of the islanders.  The reporter gives his name as '''Ristle''' and declares himself minister of the king, after his death which occurred elsewhere with royal brother Ottoniero, states that he returned to the island, where he had a sister desponsata Patron Spaho: {{quote|  

''(the minister says: I had) a sister married to patron Spaho (Editors notes: patron Spaho is someone who has undertaken to protect the interests of a community), lord of the beautiful land of Sitnizza, where he used to pitch his tent and hunt birds.... and I found that Narentani plundered many things. My strength abandoned me  when I saw the fleet and the fields... We cannot move any further without incurring in our strong enemies.'' <ref>Latin section: ''".... domino domorij Sitinitiani (Sitnizza) pulcherimi agri in quo habebat tentorio et capiebat aves ... et inveni, continues, Narentinos depopulasse multa.  Omnes mee vires sestebant in conspectioneagrorum atque navium ... nos non possumus prodire nullibi, nisi in fortes hostes incurramus."''</ref>}}  There was hard aggression committed to both towns of which the ruins can still be seen in ''Bradat'' and ''Potirna''.<ref>'''Potirna''' is a village on the west end of the island of Korcula in Croatia.</ref> They were inhabited also by Roman families, as the gravestones and many other ancient pieces unearthed not so long ago bear witness.

A battle took place on the island around the year 829. Banished from the throne (the Curzolani) and from the State and ''Obeleiro'' and ''Beato Antenonj'', or Antonaj, doges, one after the other of Venice. The Curzolani, already confederated of the Narentain, acknowledged friendship and partisan feelings. The doge Zuanne Partecipazio, being informed of these schemes, at the head of a strong army descended upon Korčula, which despite powerful resistance, saw many of his own killed and the prisoners hanged. The ex doge Beato Antenonio had his head cut off.  ''('''Editors''' note: Some sources state that Giovanni ''or Zuanne''  Participazio, killed Obelerio degli Antenori  in Malamocco, near Venice. His severed head then was displayed to the people ''or'' that he died in Zadar. Another source states that he was buried with pomp in the Church of San Teodoro)'' <ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030932812/cu31924030932812_djvu.txt "The doges of Venice"] Chapte Two: Wooers of The Adiatic A.D. 809 to 960 </ref>

A battle took place on the island around the year 829. Banished from the throne (the Curzolani) and from the State and ''Obeleiro'' and ''Beato Antenonj'', or Antonaj, doges, one after the other of Venice. The Curzolani, already confederated of the Narentain, acknowledged friendship and partisan feelings. The doge Zuanne Partecipazio, being informed of these schemes, at the head of a strong army descended upon Korčula, which despite powerful resistance, saw many of his own killed and the prisoners hanged. The ex doge Beato Antenonio had his head cut off.  ''('''Editors''' note: Some sources state that Giovanni ''or Zuanne''  Participazio, killed Obelerio degli Antenori  in Malamocco, near Venice. His severed head then was displayed to the people ''or'' that he died in Zadar. Another source states that he was buried with pomp in the Church of San Teodoro)'' <ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030932812/cu31924030932812_djvu.txt "The doges of Venice"] Chapte Two: Wooers of The Adiatic A.D. 809 to 960 </ref>

A source from the Veneto Region stated that as a result of this fact Korčula and Veglia, where even the Antenonj had partisans, remained subject to those of the Veneto Region. This occurred for a brief period with regard to Korčula, the resulting reunion being tough between her and the Narentani, however the alliance lasted a short time. There is on the island a sunny valley called Dughipod, neighbouring the inundating field known Blatta (Blato), in which one could see various large masses of rocks, and among these the largest and widest, and the only one on the island, called ''Ducelova gomilla''.  From the previous matter and from the places, which embrace vast  plains suited for manoeuvring an army in battle, it is probable that a battle occurred there and that under that impressive mass of rocks was buried the beheaded doge ''Beato Antenonio'', and therefore to that the Slavic name of ''Ducelova gomilla'', namely the doge’s partition wall.

A source from the Veneto Region stated that as a result of this fact Korčula and Veglia, where even the Antenonj had partisans, remained subject to those of the Veneto Region. This occurred for a brief period with regard to Korčula, the resulting reunion being tough between her and the Narentani, however the alliance lasted a short time. There is on the island a sunny valley called Dughipod, neighbouring the inundating field known Blatta (Blato), in which one could see various large masses of rocks, and among these the largest and widest, and the only one on the island, called ''Ducelova gomilla''.  From the previous matter and from the places, which embrace vast  plains suited for manoeuvring an army in battle, it is probable that a battle occurred there and that under that impressive mass of rocks was buried the beheaded doge ''Beato Antenonio'', and therefore to that the Slavic name of ''Ducelova gomilla'', namely the doge’s partition wall.

The fourth battle was with the doge of the Veneto Region '''Pietro II Orseolo''' in 999, from which, having defeated the Narentani (Neretva Slavic pirates), their ally Korčula,  was also conquered. Some historians note that the Curzolani, determined to oppose the advances of the doge, urged the Ragusani (Dubrovnik) and the Lesignani (Hvar) to form an alliance, but pre-empted by the sudden appearance of a large army in the ''Korčula Channel'', which fruitlessly awaited on the nearby reef of S. Massimo.<ref>also known as abbr. aka; (ref. plant, animal) common name./'''Ostojic's''' original historical source from '''1858'''.</ref> Vulgo Massan, opted for negotiations for surrender, due to the fact that Korčula was forced to withstand alone. Of this fact '''Andrea Dandolo''' <ref>'''Andrea Dandolo''' (1306 – September 7, 1354) was elected the 54th doge of Venice in 1343, replacing Bartolomeo Gradenigo who died in late 1342.</ref> writes:  {{quote|''Since Korčula's inhabitants refused to obey Orseolo's orders, he gathered a strong armed force and subdued them.''<ref>Latin section: ''"Curzolae habitatores suis (of Orseolo) recusants parere jussionibus, valida manu acquisivit suaeque potestati subjugavit."''</ref>}}  The learned Marco Casotti with Lucio claim that the alliance of Korčula with the Narentani (Neretljani) worked to even make Venice their inland revenue, after the death of its doge ''Pietro Candiano'' in the battle of Pontamica, and that those of the Veneto Region were now avenging themselves of this by dismantling Korčula from the foundations.

The fourth battle was with the doge of the Veneto Region '''Pietro II Orseolo''' in 999, from which, having defeated the Narentani (Neretva Slavic pirates), their ally Korčula,  was also conquered. Some historians note that the Curzolani, determined to oppose the advances of the doge, urged the Ragusani (Dubrovnik) and the Lesignani (Hvar) to form an alliance, but pre-empted by the sudden appearance of a large army in the ''Korčula Channel'', which fruitlessly awaited on the nearby reef of S. Massimo.<ref>also known as abbr. aka; (ref. plant, animal) common name./'''Ostojic's''' original historical source from '''1858'''.</ref> Vulgo Massan, opted for negotiations for surrender, due to the fact that Korčula was forced to withstand alone. Of this fact '''Andrea Dandolo''' <ref>'''Andrea Dandolo''' (1306 – September 7, 1354) was elected the 54th doge of Venice in 1343, replacing Bartolomeo Gradenigo who died in late 1342.</ref> writes:  {{quote|

''Since Korčula's inhabitants refused to obey Orseolo's orders, he gathered a strong armed force and subdued them.''<ref>Latin section: ''"Curzolae habitatores suis (of Orseolo) recusants parere jussionibus, valida manu acquisivit suaeque potestati subjugavit."''</ref>}}  The learned Marco Casotti with Lucio claim that the alliance of Korčula with the Narentani (Neretljani) worked to even make Venice their inland revenue, after the death of its doge ''Pietro Candiano'' in the battle of Pontamica, and that those of the Veneto Region were now avenging themselves of this by dismantling Korčula from the foundations.

The reports tell that the Venitians were distracted in the Holy Land undertaking and allowed the Genoese, in the year 1100, to occupy the island of Korčula and to keep it subjugated for some time.  This subjection will not be followed with a fight, as the Curzolani with far greater powers  fought to support their freedom, nor without shedding of blood would they be subjected.

The reports tell that the Venitians were distracted in the Holy Land undertaking and allowed the Genoese, in the year 1100, to occupy the island of Korčula and to keep it subjugated for some time.  This subjection will not be followed with a fight, as the Curzolani with far greater powers  fought to support their freedom, nor without shedding of blood would they be subjected.

To confuse the enemy, Count Viario envisaged the plan to have the bells ring suddenly.  The Aragonese bewildered by the city bells ringing and of the near danger, left under the walls of the city more than 500 men and a large amount of war equipment. They retreated and fled on the high seas.  This victory occurred on the 24th of August,the feast day of'' St. Bartholomew''. A commemorative procession was devoted in thanksgiving that is customary in all parishes of the island on this all day feast. The prince and Senate of the Veneto Region later so appreciated the victory  that they erected a memorial.

To confuse the enemy, Count Viario envisaged the plan to have the bells ring suddenly.  The Aragonese bewildered by the city bells ringing and of the near danger, left under the walls of the city more than 500 men and a large amount of war equipment. They retreated and fled on the high seas.  This victory occurred on the 24th of August,the feast day of'' St. Bartholomew''. A commemorative procession was devoted in thanksgiving that is customary in all parishes of the island on this all day feast. The prince and Senate of the Veneto Region later so appreciated the victory  that they erected a memorial.

{{quote|''Giovanni Mocenigo duke of Venice for the sake of God, expresses his  gratitude to the extraordinary soldiers of the Count and to the people of Korčula, our faithful ally.''<ref>[[Latin]] section:'' "Joannes Mocenigo Dei gratia Dux Venetiarum Sapientissimis, et Egregiis Viris Comiti, et Populo Curzolensi fidelibus Nostris clarissimi salutem, et gratiam Nostram."''</ref>}}

{{quote|

''Giovanni Mocenigo duke of Venice for the sake of God, expresses his  gratitude to the extraordinary soldiers of the Count and to the people of Korčula, our faithful ally.''<ref>[[Latin]] section:'' "Joannes Mocenigo Dei gratia Dux Venetiarum Sapientissimis, et Egregiis Viris Comiti, et Populo Curzolensi fidelibus Nostris clarissimi salutem, et gratiam Nostram."''</ref>}}

== See also==

== See also==