Abstract
This paper aims to present various types of documents referring directly or indirectly to the Morlachs and the Uskoks, in order to answer to questions such as which main activities these people developed, and how they influenced daily life in Dalmatia. A significant characteristic and paradox of both the Morlachs and Uskoks is that their names are conventions and denominations found mostly in external sources. Frequently mentioned in sixteenth-century Venetian documents, despite the little additional information provided, the archival material investigated nevertheless offers the opportunity to understand these very active, mobile and adaptable populations, especially with regard to their role as cross-cultural and transimperial subjects.
Highlights
RESEARCHING THE MORLACHS AND THE USKOKS the idea of transimperial[6] cross-border agency, one might feel tempted to focus firstly on the political/administrative figures who were in charge of maintaining the good relations established through peace agreements or other treaties
In the narrow strip of Venetian Dalmatia, the official peace that characterised the middle of the sixteenth century[1] paved the way for encounters between people, ideas and interests.[2]
The term ‘agents’ used in the context of sixteenth-century Dalmatia refers to those individuals spurred into action by the diplomacy required by the shifting border[4] shared between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire, and, unrelated to political decisions, by the daily activities of the coexisting subjects.[5]
Summary
The Morlachs of Dalmatia, as referred to in Venetian documents from the fifteenth century onwards, are usually defined as a heterogeneous and extremely mobile population of Vlach origin. According to Lucius’s text the name Morlach has its origins in Byzantium, in the Greek word Maurovlachus meaning ‘the Black Latins.’ The use of this name was explained as a choice made by the Venetians in order to differentiate them from the White Latins, who were thought to be inhabitants of the former Roman cities situated on the Adriatic coast. This theory is commonly used by scholars who understand the Morlachs as remnants of the Latinised/Romanised people from all over the Balkans. Its use strongly suggests that uskok was a term used to identify a social group composed of individuals of different geographic origin, political patronage and social condition.[20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
