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 250 B.C.  On his death regaining its independence, the widow queen '''Teuta''' <ref>Editors notes: '''Queen Teuta''' (Ancient Greek: Τεύτα) was an Illyrian queen of the Ardiaei tribe who reigned approximately from 231 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: ''"Pharumque bello captum"'' ; which makes us think it occurred due to combined dedication.  Only in the times of ''Caesar'' '''Octavian Augustus''' (42 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 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 250 B.C.  On his death regaining its independence, the widow queen '''Teuta''' <ref>Editors notes: '''Queen Teuta''' (Ancient Greek: Τεύτα) was an Illyrian queen of the Ardiaei tribe who reigned approximately from 231 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: ''"Pharumque bello captum"'' ; which makes us think it occurred due to combined dedication.  Only in the times of ''Caesar'' '''Octavian Augustus''' (42 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|''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.''}}  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.

The Alexandrian Appiano tells us of the severity of the punishment and the cause of the war:  {{Cquote|''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>Google Translate:

* "The deified Augustus, and, failing Corcyrenses Melita, who inhabit the Islands; a huge burden of the war he overpowered, since Mary, a fleet of praedebatur. Adult males were cut down to one thing, the rest were sold into slavery"</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 Caesars’ 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 Caesars’ 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 ''qui fugiens a persecution galearum Narentinorum construxit arcem in Siralievax'',  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|''arx fuit in domorio incolum quem locum appellant Bradat apud domum unius hominis probi, et sacnti quem incolae dicunt Sveti Visko''}} He  had the inhabitants of Korčula equip six prisons at his own expense, and thus also erect three shelters: {{Cquote|''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.''}} Of all this there are obvious ruins to date.   

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 ''qui fugiens a persecution galearum Narentinorum construxit arcem in Siralievax'',  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|''arx fuit in domorio incolum quem locum appellant Bradat apud domum unius hominis probi, et sacnti quem incolae dicunt Sveti Visko''}} He  had the inhabitants of Korčula equip six prisons at his own expense, and thus also erect three shelters: {{Cquote|''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>Google Translate:

* "in the harbor to the north of the mountain where the so-called Gradinae nostril was presented the ships of the king 's most gracious ..... not far of the internal Islands of the sea is a place fit for the pirates in order to fight the mighty grievous Narentinos very much."</ref>}} Of all this there are obvious ruins to date.   

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 last western promontory, if he had not been freed on the part of the island.  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|''.... 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.''}}  There was hard aggression between both towns of which the ruins can still be seen in ''Bradat'' and ''Potirna''. 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 last western promontory, if he had not been freed on the part of the island.  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|''.... 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.''}}  There was hard aggression between both towns of which the ruins can still be seen in ''Bradat'' and ''Potirna''. They were inhabited also by Roman families, as the gravestones and many other ancient pieces unearthed not so long ago bear witness.

A reporter of 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 (Neretljani), however the alliance lasted a short time. There is on the island a sunny valley called Dughipod, neighbouring the inundating field known as 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 reporter of 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 (Neretljani), however the alliance lasted a short time. There is on the island a sunny valley called Dughipod, neighbouring the inundating field known as 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 Orseolo in 999, from which, having defeated the Narentani (Neretljani), their ally Korčula,  was also conquered. Some historians note that the Curzolani, determined to oppose the advances of the doge, urged the Ragusani (Republic of Ragusa-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, Vulgo <ref>also known as (abbr. aka); (ref. plant, animal) common name.</ref>  Massan, for negotiations for the surrender, were thus forced to withstand alone what they had planned to carry out with their friends.  Of this fact '''Andrea Dandolo''' <ref>Editors notes: '''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:  {{Cquote|''Curzolae habitatores suis (of Orseolo) recusants parere jussionibus, valida manu acquisivit suaeque potestati subjugavit.''}}  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 Korcula from the foundations.

The fourth battle was with the doge of the Veneto Region Pietro Orseolo in 999, from which, having defeated the Narentani (Neretljani), their ally Korčula,  was also conquered. Some historians note that the Curzolani, determined to oppose the advances of the doge, urged the Ragusani (Republic of Ragusa-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, Vulgo <ref>also known as (abbr. aka); (ref. plant, animal) common name.</ref>  Massan, for negotiations for the surrender, were thus forced to withstand alone what they had planned to carry out with their friends.  Of this fact '''Andrea Dandolo''' <ref>Editors notes: '''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:  {{Cquote|''Curzolae habitatores suis (of Orseolo) recusants parere jussionibus, valida manu acquisivit suaeque potestati subjugavit.'' <ref>Google Translate:

* "Curzolae the inhabitants of his (of Orseolo) refused to obey the commandment, a strong force, has acquired the power of themselves and their subjugated.."</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 Korcula 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.

* [[Korcula Dialect]]

* [[Korcula Dialect]]

== Editors Notes ==

== Editors Notes ==

A Greek colony was founded on Korcula.<ref>An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis: An Investigation Conducted by The Copenhagen Polis Centre for the Danish National Research Foundation by Mogens Herman Hansen,2005,Index</ref> Greek colonists from Corcyra (Corfu) formed a small colony on the island in the 4th century B.C.  

A Greek colony was founded on Korčula.<ref>An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis: An Investigation Conducted by The Copenhagen Polis Centre for the Danish National Research Foundation by Mogens Herman Hansen,2005,Index</ref> Greek colonists from Corcyra (Corfu) formed a small colony on the island in the 4th century B.C.  

Lumbarda Psephisma is a stone inscription which documented the event and was found on the island of Korčula, in modern-day Croatia. The Psephisma is from Lumbarda, a small village where it was discovered in 1877 by Bozo Krsinic. The Greeks established a settlement on the basis of a prior agreement with the representatives of the local Illyrians who were Pil and his son Daz.

Lumbarda Psephisma is a stone inscription which documented the event and was found on the island of Korčula, in modern-day Croatia. The Psephisma is from Lumbarda, a small village where it was discovered in 1877 by Bozo Krsinic. The Greeks established a settlement on the basis of a prior agreement with the representatives of the local Illyrians who were Pil and his son Daz.

{{Cquote|'''Quote''': ''Best of luck. During the time of hieromnamon Praxidam in the month of Machaneus a contract was made to establish a colony between the people of Issa and Pil and his son Daz. Colony founders agreed upon and the people decided: those who where the first to occupy the land and built a wall around the city would get a special land to build houses within the fortified city, especially with a part, and of the land which was outside the city, so that those first people separately obtain the first lot of three plethrons separated from the land, and from the other parts, to write down (what lot and what part) each of them obtained, and in permanent ownership they (and their descendants) get one and a half plethrons each; subsequent colonists are to get from undistributed land in the field four and a half plethrons; the authorities swear never to  divide the city or land again; if someone of the authority proposes something or someone agrees against this (Psephism), let he or she be dishonoured, and his or her property should become public property; the person who kills  him or her is not to be punished……… This land was obtained and  the city walls built by: Dymanes, Hylleis & Pamphylois.'' <ref>[http://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&id_clanak_jezik=74289&lang=en Hrcak Portal of scientific journals of Croatia:] Lumbarda Psephisma, the Oldest Document about the Division of Land Parcels in Croatia from the Beginning of the 4th or 3rd Century BC by Miljenko Solaric & Nikola Solaic (University of Zagreb). </ref>}}

{{Cquote|'''Quote''': ''Best of luck. During the time of hieromnamon Praxidam in the month of Machaneus a contract was made to establish a colony between the people of Issa and Pil and his son Daz. Colony founders agreed upon and the people decided: those who where the first to occupy the land and built a wall around the city would get a special land to build houses within the fortified city, especially with a part, and of the land which was outside the city, so that those first people separately obtain the first lot of three plethrons separated from the land, and from the other parts, to write down (what lot and what part) each of them obtained, and in permanent ownership they (and their descendants) get one and a half plethrons each; subsequent colonists are to get from undistributed land in the field four and a half plethrons; the authorities swear never to  divide the city or land again; if someone of the authority proposes something or someone agrees against this (Psephism), let he or she be dishonoured, and his or her property should become public property; the person who kills  him or her is not to be punished……… This land was obtained and  the city walls built by: Dymanes, Hylleis & Pamphylois.'' <ref>[http://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&id_clanak_jezik=74289&lang=en Hrcak Portal of scientific journals of Croatia:] Lumbarda Psephisma, the Oldest Document about the Division of Land Parcels in Croatia from the Beginning of the 4th or 3rd Century BC by Miljenko Solaric & Nikola Solaic (University of Zagreb). </ref>}}

=== Share this page ===

=== Share this page ===

<sharethis />

<sharethis />