Episcopal towns of medieval Serbia

Abstract

This paper is part of a study devoted to the role of the so-called old bishoprics in the medieval history of Serbia. Most of the towns functioning as epsicopal sees grew on early Christian sites and traditions, and were renovated in the Byzantine period. The goal of the research, focused on two towns, Ras and Nis, with the findings cross-checked against Prizren and Belgrade, is to examine the attitude of the Serbian rulers towards the pre-existing ecclesiastical organization. The research also addresses the issue of the capital city of the medieval Serbian state.