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 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 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:  {{Cquote|''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 (Corfu)<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:  {{Cquote|''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 (Corfu)<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.

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 (Neretljani) 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, {{Cquote| ''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.  {{Cquote| ''(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 (Neretljani) 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, {{Cquote| ''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.  {{Cquote| ''(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 (Neretljani) 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: {{Cquote| ''(the minister says: I had) a sister married to patron Spaho (patronus 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 (Neretljani) 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: {{Cquote| ''(the minister says: I had) a sister married to patron Spaho (patronus 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. Exiled from the throne and from the ''Obeleiro State'' and ''Beato Antenonj'', or Antonaj, doges, one after the other of Venice, to whom the Curzolani, already confederated of the Narentain (Neretljani), acknowledged friendship and partisan feelings, the latter fleeing to Korčula, where he had correspondences and instruments to recover with the assistance of these in the  ducal seat. But 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.   

A battle took place on the island around the year 829. Exiled from the throne and from the ''Obeleiro State'' and ''Beato Antenonj'', or Antonaj, doges, one after the other of Venice, to whom the Curzolani, already confederated of the Narentain (Neretljani), acknowledged friendship and partisan feelings, the latter fleeing to Korčula, where he had correspondences and instruments to recover with the assistance of these in the  ducal seat. But 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.   

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.

===Miroslav, Nemanja and Costantino-Counts of Raška===

===Miroslav, Nemanja and Costantino-Counts of Raška===

Miroslav, Stefan Nemanja <ref>Stefan Nemanja  (c. 1114 – 13 February 1199) was a 12th-century Serb royalty, heir to the Vukanović dynasty and Grand Prince of medieval Raška from 1166 to 1196.</ref> and Costantino, counts of Chelmo (Counts of Raška), <ref>'''Raška''' a Medieval Principality created by Serbian Slavs.</ref> broadened with significant conquests the fatherly encroachers and possessed the territories of Narenta (Neretljani), Macarsca  (Makarska) and Stagno (Ston). With the introduction of the Ragusani (Dubrovnik) to the detriment of Catholicism they wanted to conquer also nearby Korčula and therefore Constantine with a strong army, which amounted to some twenty thousand men, in 1181 landed in a faraway part of the city and began to terrorise the island with fire and steel.  But the Curzolani, ''gathering together '',<ref>Latin section: cum se in unum conglobassent</ref> as '''Farlati''' <ref>'''Daniele Farlati''' (22 February 1690 – 25 April 1773) was an ecclesiastical historian. Farlati was born in San Daniele del Friuli in the present Italian.</ref> writes, took up the pursuit of their enemies, of which they killed many. Others were taken as prisoners, among which the said Constantino, who to obtain his freedom was compelled, together with his brothers, under oath to promise never again to make an attempt to take any step towards the independence of the Curzolani.  With this resounding victory they honourably regained their freedom and preserved/protected the professed Catholic religion.

Miroslav, Stefan Nemanja <ref>Stefan Nemanja  (c. 1114 – 13 February 1199) was a 12th-century Serb royalty, heir to the Vukanović dynasty and Grand Prince of medieval Raška from 1166 to 1196.</ref> and Costantino, counts of Chelmo (latter Counts of Raška), <ref>'''Raška''' a Medieval Principality created by Serbian Slavs.</ref> broadened with significant conquests the fatherly encroachers and possessed the territories of Narenta (Neretljani), Macarsca  (Makarska) and Stagno (Ston). With the introduction of the Ragusani (Dubrovnik) to the detriment of Catholicism they wanted to conquer also nearby Korčula and therefore Constantine with a strong army, which amounted to some twenty thousand men, in 1181 landed in a faraway part of the city and began to terrorise the island with fire and steel.  But the Curzolani, ''gathering together '',<ref>Latin section: ''"cum se in unum conglobassent"''</ref> as '''Farlati''' <ref>'''Daniele Farlati''' (22 February 1690 – 25 April 1773) was an ecclesiastical historian. Farlati was born in San Daniele del Friuli in the present Italian.</ref> writes, took up the pursuit of their enemies, of which they killed many. Others were taken as prisoners, among which the said Constantino, who to obtain his freedom was compelled, together with his brothers, under oath to promise never again to make an attempt to take any step towards the independence of the Curzolani.  With this resounding victory they honourably regained their freedom and preserved/protected the professed Catholic religion.

===Zorzi House===

===Zorzi House===

By the end of the year 1129 Korčula was subjected to the Zorzi House (Republic of Venice) but due to various events regained it's independence. In 1252  Marsilio Zorzi succeeded in re-conquering it for Venice. The Curzolani suffered badly  under his tyranny and after two years of his control dismissed him.  Ruggero Zorzi a few years later with the help of Venice and Ragusa (Dubrovnik), amassed a strong arm of forces and arrived below the city calling on it to surrender. Not taking any notice of these threats, the Curzolani resolutely rejected the attack and tested the enemy inflecting lots of damage.  They seized the banner from the invaders. The wounded Ruggero was obliged to give up and take cover within the island. A number of the inhabitants, allured by promises, acted as a support for him in order that he could return to the offensive against the city. After a strong crushing battle, Ruggero sacked and demolished the town. He placed Count Marsilio back in command. Merciful towards the defeated, the walls he rebuilt were more beautiful than before.

By the end of the year 1129 Korčula was subjected to the Zorzi House (Republic of Venice) but due to various events regained it's independence. In 1252  Marsilio Zorzi succeeded in re-conquering it for Venice. The Curzolani suffered badly  under his tyranny and after two years of his control dismissed him.  Ruggero Zorzi a few years later with the help of Venice and Ragusa (Dubrovnik), amassed a strong arm of forces and arrived below the city calling on it to surrender. Not taking any notice of these threats, the Curzolani resolutely rejected the attack and tested the enemy inflecting lots of damage.  They seized the banner from the invaders. The wounded Ruggero was obliged to give up and take cover within the island. A number of the inhabitants, allured by promises, acted as a support for him in order that he could return to the offensive against the city. After a strong crushing battle, Ruggero sacked and demolished the town. He placed Count Marsilio back in command. Merciful towards the defeated, the walls he rebuilt were more beautiful than before.

===Giorgio Viario===

===Giorgio Viario===

In the year 1483 ''Federico of Aragon'', son of Ferdinand king of Naples, was at war with the Venetians. With Lissa (Vis) being destroyed and conquered a large army  landed their troops with the aim of conquering Korčula.  '''Giorgio Viario''' then ruled the island with the title of count for the republic of the Veneto region. He was a fearless and courageous man who had the city well armed. He positioned the few island fighters in appropriate sites and resolutely defended the town of Korčula. With the aid of these allies he repelled repeated assaults and destroyed the catapults thus turning the tide of the battle in favour of the defenders. His followers also fended off attacks by the other military artilleries employed by the Aragonese to demolish the walls and enter the city.  Such was the courage of the Curzolani who for several days resisted this siege, and repelled the attacks. They struck down arrows and made a large number of aggressors fall under the walls.   

In the year 1483 ''Federico of Aragon'', son of Ferdinand king of Naples, was at war with the Venetians.<ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/canonpietrocaso00casogoog/canonpietrocaso00casogoog_djvu.txt Canon Pietro Casola's Pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the Year 1494 by Pietro Casola - www.archive.org] (Note 58 on p377)</ref> With Lissa (Vis) being destroyed and conquered a large army  landed their troops with the aim of conquering Korčula.  '''Giorgio Viario''' then ruled the island with the title of count for the republic of the Veneto region. He was a fearless and courageous man who had the city well armed. He positioned the few island fighters in appropriate sites and resolutely defended the town of Korčula. With the aid of these allies he repelled repeated assaults and destroyed the catapults thus turning the tide of the battle in favour of the defenders. His followers also fended off attacks by the other military artilleries employed by the Aragonese to demolish the walls and enter the city.  Such was the courage of the Curzolani who for several days resisted this siege, and repelled the attacks. They struck down arrows and made a large number of aggressors fall under the walls.   

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.

{{Cquote|''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>}}

{{Cquote|''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==

* [[Directory:Historical Compendium of the Island of Curzola-Original Direct Translation|Original Direct Translation from Italian]]

* [[Directory:Historical Compendium of the Island of Curzola-Original Direct Translation|Original Direct Translation from Italian]]

* Nikola Ostojic wrote: ''"Constantine with a strong army, which amounted to some twenty thousand men in 1181 landed in a faraway part of the city and began to terrorise the island with fire and steel."'' I find the figure of ''twenty thousand men'' highly unlikely the island itself today has a population 16,182 inhabitants (2001).

* Nikola Ostojic wrote: ''"Constantine with a strong army, which amounted to some twenty thousand men in 1181 landed in a faraway part of the city and began to terrorise the island with fire and steel."'' I find the figure of ''twenty thousand men'' highly unlikely the island itself today has a population 16,182 inhabitants (2001).

==Encyclopaedia Britannica's (publ. 1911) article on Korcula from 1911==

==Encyclopaedia Britannica's (publ. 1911) ==

Article on Korcula from 1911:

{{Cquote|''Curzola (Korcula), the capital and principal port, is a fortified town on the east coast, and occupies a rocky foreland almost surrounded by the sea. Besides the interesting church (formerly a cathedral), dating from the 12th or 13th century, the loggia or council chambers, and the palace of its former Venetian governors, it possesses the noble mansion of the Arnieri, and other specimens of the domestic architecture of the 15th and 16th centuries, together with the massive walls and towers, erected in 1420, and the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, with its beautiful Venetian Gothic cloister. The main resources of the islanders are boat-building (for which they are celebrated throughout the Adriatic), fishing and seafaring, the cultivation of the vine, corn and olives, and breeding of mules.'' <ref>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Curzola Encyclopaedia Britannica (publ. 1911)]</ref>}}

{{Cquote|''Curzola (Korcula), the capital and principal port, is a fortified town on the east coast, and occupies a rocky foreland almost surrounded by the sea. Besides the interesting church (formerly a cathedral), dating from the 12th or 13th century, the loggia or council chambers, and the palace of its former Venetian governors, it possesses the noble mansion of the Arnieri, and other specimens of the domestic architecture of the 15th and 16th centuries, together with the massive walls and towers, erected in 1420, and the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, with its beautiful Venetian Gothic cloister. The main resources of the islanders are boat-building (for which they are celebrated throughout the Adriatic), fishing and seafaring, the cultivation of the vine, corn and olives, and breeding of mules.'' <ref>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Curzola Encyclopaedia Britannica (publ. 1911)]</ref>}}