Брачне везе босанске властеле
Marital Links of Bosnian Nobility

Summary/Abstract: The study of marital links of the Bosnian nobility is largely hampered by the lack of sources. The data preserved relate mainly to the marriages of the ruling family of Kotromanić, which is not explored in this paper, as well as of the families of Hrvatinić and Kosače – the two most powerful Bosnian noble medieval families. The lack of data on the remaining Bosnian nobility, including these three families, does not allow for making a comprehensive network of family links among Bosnian nobles. It is often emphasised in literature that marital links played a role in the rise of some Bosnian nobles, but that their personal traits and military and political abilities should not be disregarded either. On the other hand, there is also the claim that the emergence of local magnates was the result exclusively of their personal abilities and qualities, and that the role of marital links in this process was reflected only in confirming the already created alliances and obtained positions. Although the largest part of the Bosnian nobility belonged to the Bosnian Church, which regarded the marriage differently from the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the reasons for establishing marital links among the nobility were not essentially different from those in the neighbouring lands. Marriages among the nobility in the medieval Bosnian state were concluded, based on the examples observed, just like in other European countries of the time – mainly for practical reasons, for the purpose of creating political, military and economic alliances aimed at contributing to the reputation, strength and wealth of families, their safety and stability, consolidation or improvement of their position in the society. The marriage was one of the main diplomatic means of internal and foreign policy. Based on the concluded marriages, it is possible to gain a partial insight into the position of some Bosnian families in the social structure in a particular moment, and to follow whether they were on an upward or downward path.

• Details
• Contents