Slavery in late medieval Dalmatia/Croatia: labour, legal status, integration

Abstract

Documents reveal slavery in the IXth century on domains in the surroundings of Split. Other sources from the Xth-XIth centuries confirm that slaves were used in agriculture in the region were Roman traditions had been preserved. Later urban documents show a need for slaves in households and crafts. Three periods of slavery in late medieval Dalmatia/Croatia can be recognized. The first ends with the turn of the XIIth century, and was a one of intensive slave trade. In the second period we lack data about slave trade. Slaves were replaced by persons entering service on the basis of a contract. The third period (second half of the XIVth century) is characterized by an increase in the purchases of slaves, but mainly for export to Italy and Catalonia. From the end of the XIVth century cities undertook measures to prohibit the export of slaves and servants. This, however, did not mean a prohibition of slavery itself, because citizens were allowed to keep slaves for their own use. The position of slaves was defined by city statutes, and can be additionally documented by well preserved notarial documents.