East Adriatic Coast Research Articles

Molecular to macrofossils indicating last millennium sea level in Lavsa saltpans, Croatia

Intertidal salt production sites existed continuously around the Mediterranean since classical antiquity, and their remains are present in large numbers along the Dalmatian (east Adriatic) coast. Most of them are preserved and dated to medieval times. This study aims to develop complementary proxies identifying the salt production layer in submerged ancient saltpans of Lavsa, a remote island on the central Dalmatian coast, to date the saltwork units by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and use them to infer changes in sea level. The significance of the study is in the application of molecular fossil analyses identifying the hypersaline layer in the sediments from a core drilled in the saltpan's site. The molecular fossil analyses correlate with the results of micro and macrofossil analyses and geochemical findings, all representing the saltwork unit. The depth of the hypersaline layers and the OSL dates provide relative sea level (RSL) lower limiting points of −145 ± 5 cm at 1309 ± 33 CE, probably the time when salt production started in Lavsa, and −115 ± 5 cm at 1364 ± 52 CE when saltwork activities ended. These limiting points extend the known RSL index point in Lavsa Island of −92 ± 8 cm, with an updated average age of 1337 ± 62 CE, correlating with the historical records. Medieval lower sea levels were also observed in the northern and southern parts of the east Adriatic coast as well as in other parts of the Mediterranean, probably driven by climate-related events, generating centennial-scale fluctuations in past sea levels that cannot be predicted by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models.

Some Aspects of Lexical Variation in Na-Našo/-u (Molise, Italy)

Molise Croatian is a Štokavian Ikavian variety brought from the East Adriatic coast to the region of Molise at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century. Today it is spoken in three out of four officially recognized Croatian Molise villages in the region of Molise in south Italy, namely those of Mundimitar / Montemitro, Kruč / Acquaviva Collecroce, and Filič / San Felice del Molise, but even there its use has been declining, and intergenerational transmission is interrupted in some parts of the community. The aim of the paper is to present and discuss aspects of diatopic variation in lexicon between the three local varieties on the basis of the terms collected in a local language documentation project and published in Vocabolario polinomico (Sportelli linguistici 2020).

Phenotypic Diversity of Pomegranate Cultivars: Discriminating Power of Some Morphological and Fruit Chemical Characteristics

In modern agricultural production, where a small number of commercial cultivars dominate, the collection, evaluation, and preservation of germplasm are important tasks to reduce the erosion of genes and preserve biodiversity. The aim of this study is to characterize the morphological and fruit chemical properties of the pomegranate germplasm grown on the East Adriatic coast, including the commercial cultivars ‘Hicaznar’, ‘Granada’, and ‘Wonderful’, and to highlight the characteristics with the greatest discriminating power. The characterization of the tree, leaf, flower, arils, seed, and juice was carried out using the UPOV descriptor. The colors of the peel, arils, and juice were analyzed according to the CIEL*a*b* method, total soluble solids were measured using refractometers, and total acidity was determined by titration with 0.1 M NaOH. The research results showed significant diversity between the cultivars, which were grouped into several clusters using an unsupervised analysis technique. Factors such as plant vigor, plant growth habit, predominant number of leaves per node on young shoots, crown type, fruit shape, fruit shape in cross-section, peel weight, total aril weight, aril weight, number of arils per fruit, seed length and width, seed yield, total acidity, TSS/TA ratio, and color parameters of the peel, arils, and juice showed high variability, indicating their strong discriminating power in determining the phenotypic diversity of pomegranate.

Threats of dams to the persistence of the world's freshwater fishes

AbstractHabitat fragmentation due to dams is a well‐known threat to freshwater fish. Yet, the global consequences of fragmentation for the viability of freshwater fish populations are unknown. Here, we provide the first global assessment of the threats of dams to the persistence of freshwater fish species. We developed a global macroecological relationship between freshwater fish range size and body size and used this relationship to assess whether isolated range fragments are too small to support a species. Our assessment includes 7369 freshwater fish species and considers the effects of 31,780 dams globally. Furthermore, we performed a more detailed analysis of the threats of dams in Brazil, the greater Mekong region and the United States, using complementary national and regional data sets. Globally, more than half of the species analysed face extirpation in a part of their geographic range, with an average potential range loss of 3.3% (95%‐range: 0%–31.8%) across all species analysed. For 74 fish species, occurring in Brazil, China, India, the Mekong basin, the United States, South‐Africa and the East Adriatic Coast, more than 50% of their range is potentially lost. This includes 18 species threatened with extinction across their whole range. Our complementary regional analysis revealed that the potentially lost range increases by a factor of 2–4 when considering both large and small dams compared with considering only large dams (≥15 m), highlighting the need to establish more comprehensive global dam inventories. Our novel approach and global analysis identifies species at risk of extirpation as well as geographic hotspots of extirpation threat by dams, which can aid in establishing more effective strategies for global hydropower development and barrier removal efforts to optimise the trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and the socio‐economic benefits of dams.

How can past sea level be evaluated from traces of anthropogenic layers in ancient saltpans?

Footprints of human activities identified in the sedimentary sequence of submerged historical saltpans can reveal the history of the site and can indicate the relative sea level during its operational period. Saltpans are man-made constructions used continuously for salt production in the Mediterranean at least for the last 2000 years. The east Adriatic coast contains many such submerged remains, preserved and well-dated by historical archives. Sedimentological, microfossil and geochemical analyses of the sediments from cores drilled in the saltwork area at Brbinj, Dugi Otok, Croatia, enable the reconstruction of various past environmental conditions. The current study aims to: a) identify the anthropogenic unit in the sedimentary sequence deposited over time, b) determine its age, and c) use it as past sea-level limiting points. Basal units made of terra rossa soil materials were identified in the sedimentary records. These layers are located -120 ±7 cm below mean sea level next to the separation wall and -125 ±7 cm and -135 ±7 cm, respectively, in the inner pools, most likely representing a man-made pavement. The terra rossa layer is overlaid by a unit rich in faunal remains dominated by euryhaline foraminifera and ostracod species such as Ammonia veneta and Cyprideis torosa, representing the saltworks unit. The flooding of the saltpans by the rising sea is manifested by the deposition of an upper sedimentary unit dominated by remains of marine species. The base and the top of the saltwork unit are dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence to 1040±50 CE and to 1390±30 CE, respectively. The study presents a new approach for obtaining footprints of human activities in ancient, submerged saltpans, by identifying and dating the indicative anthropogenic layers and using these for the reconstruction of paleo sea-level. The described method can be applied all around the Mediterranean.

Karst hydrology of the Croatian coast recorded in the works of Alberto Fortis (1741-1803)

Alberto Fortis (1741-1803) was an Italian naturalist who had a wide range of scientific interests from linguistics and ethnology to geology, geography and hydrology. This paper presents an overview of hydrological features that Fortis recorded in two of his works: Saggio d'Osservazzioni sopra l'Isola di Cherso ed Osero (1771) and Viaggio in Dalmazia (1774). These works were a result of several Fortis' travels in the region and were noted in European scientific literature of that time. Fortis revealed to European public the eastern Adriatic coast, a then little-known part of Europe with its wide variety of natural features. Despite the scarce appearance of surface water in karst, numerous interpretations of hydrological features can be found in Fortis’ descriptions of the East Adriatic coast. He often shows a remarkable understanding of karst hydrology even though some of his ideas and explanations are dubious from the present point of view. Although Fortis is not considered a karstologist in the strict sense, his works contain elements of what will eventually become karstology.

Sequence Characterization of ITS Regions of Immortelle Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don from the East Adriatic Coast

The immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don) is a typical perennial plant of natural vegetation in the Mediterranean region, and due to secondary metabolites with several biological properties (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative), it has become an important species for essential oil production, especially in the cosmetic industry. To increase the production of highly priced essential oils, it has been moved to cultivated fields. However, due to the lack of highly characterized planting material, there is a great need for genotype identification, and to provide a link with chemical profiles and geographic origin as a basis for the identification of local superior genotypes. The aims of the study were to characterize the ITS (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) regions, ITS1 and ITS2, in samples from the East Adriatic region to determine the possibility of using these regions for plant genetic resources identification. Genetic variation was observed when comparing the ITS sequence variants of samples from the North-East Adriatic and the South-East Adriatic. Some rare and unique ITS sequence variants can be helpful for identifying specific populations from different geographical regions.

Cruise Industry Trends and Cruise Ships’ Navigational Practices in the Central and South Part of the Adriatic East Coast Affecting Navigational Safety and Sustainable Development

The analysis of cruising trends in the Mediterranean regions shows that the Adriatic is the fastest growing cruise region in terms of the number of passenger movements and cruise ships’ port calls among all regions, particularly the central and south part of the east Adriatic coast. The aim of the paper is to analyze leading cruise destination trends in the central and south part of the Adriatic east coast, as well as to identify newly established cruise ships routes, define high-risk navigational and environmental areas and determine cruise traffic density in the vicinity of marine protected areas. The analyses of leading cruise destinations trends are based on four-year (from 2015 to 2019) cruise passenger movement and cruise calls data, whereas analyses of cruise traffic movement are based on one-year cruise ships traffic monitoring (from August 2014 to July 2015). The results of the cruise ship traffic analysis show that cruise ships frequently pass through areas of high navigational and environmental risks that are geographically restricted, navigationally challenging and environmentally sensitive. These routes have become standard navigational practice in newly discovered cruising regions. The obtained results offer a general overview of high-risk cruise ships’ navigational practices in coastal navigation that can be associated with any coastal region in the world.

Identification of Selection Signals on the X-Chromosome in East Adriatic Sheep: A New Complementary Approach.

Sheep are one of the most important livestock species in Croatia, found mainly in the Mediterranean coastal and mountainous regions along the East Adriatic coast, well adapted to the environment and mostly kept extensively. Our main objective was therefore to map the positive selection of the X-chromosome (18,983 SNPs that passed quality control), since nothing is known about the adaptation genes on this chromosome for any of the breeds from the Balkan cluster. Analyses were performed on a sample of eight native Croatian breeds (101 females and 100 males) representing the East Adriatic metapopulation and on 10 mouflons (five females and males), all sampled in Croatia. Three classical within-population approaches (extreme Runs of Homozygosity islands, integrated Haplotype Score, and number of Segregating Sites by Length) were applied along with our new approach called Haplotype Richness Drop (HRiD), which uses only the information contained in male haplotypes. We have also shown that phylogenetic analyses, such as the Median-joining network, can provide additional information when performed with the selection signals identified by HRiD. Our new approach identifies positive selection signals by searching for genomic regions that exhibit a sudden decline in haplotype richness. In total, we identified 14 positive selection signals, 11 using the classical approach and three using the HRiD approach, all together containing 34 annotated genes. The most reliable selection signal was mapped by all four approaches in the same region, overlapping between 13.17 and 13.60 Mb, and assigned to the CA5B, ZRSR2, AP1S2, and GRPR genes. High repeatability (86%) of results was observed, as 12 identified selection signals were also confirmed in other studies with sheep. HRiD offers an interesting possibility to be used complementary to other approaches or when only males are genotyped, which is often the case in genomic breeding value estimations. These results highlight the importance of the X-chromosome in the adaptive architecture of domestic ruminants, while our novel HRiD approach opens new possibilities for research.

Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Beach Nourishment Volume Requirements

The volume of material required for the construction of new and expansion of existing beach sites is an important parameter for coastal management. This information may play a crucial role when deciding which beach sites to develop. This work examines whether artificial neural networks (ANNs) can predict the spatial variability of nourishment requirements on the Croatian coast. We use survey data of the nourishment volume requirements and gravel diameter from 2016 to 2020, fetch length, beach area and orientation derived from national maps which vary from location to location due to a complex coastal configuration on the East Adriatic coast, and wind, tide, and rainfall data from nearby meteorological/oceanographic stations to train and test ANNs. The results reported here confirm that an ANN can adequately predict the spatial variability of observed nourishment volumes (R and MSE for the test set equal 0.87 and 2.24 × 104, respectively). The contributions of different parameters to the ANN’s predictive ability were examined. Apart from the most obvious parameters like the beach length and the beach areas, the fetch length proved to be the most important input contribution to ANN’s predictive ability, followed by the beach orientation. Fetch length and beach orientation are parameters governing the wind wave height and direction and hence are proxies for forcing.

Usporedba i analiza javno dostupnih batimetrijskih modela na području istočnog Jadranskog mora

In this paper the latest versions of six publicly available bathymetry models: DTU10bat, EMODnet 2018, ETOPO1, GEBCO 2020, Smith and Sandwell V20.1 and SRTM15+ V.2.1. are compared and evaluated in the area of continental shelf of Croatia settled along well intended east Adriatic coast. Survey data in the area is not available through open access data bases, but publicly accessible in agreement with data holders (hydrographic institute, research centres and industry). These grids provide alternative sources of information about seafloor topography. Marine researchers should be acquainted with the main characteristics as well as pros and cons of bathymetry models in order to choose the best one for a specific purpose. In this paper the most important characteristics and information about grids are presented: resolution, coverage, release date, horizontal and vertical datum, data source, registration method, producer and link to website with an emphasis on the underlying source data. The underlying source data is one of the most important parameters that determine the quality of the bathymetric model. Hypsometry curve that is describing the area distribution of depth is calculated for each bathymetry model over the test area of the east Adriatic. For pixel to pixel comparison, grids were resampled to same one-minute resolution and absolute differences between models are calculated in identical points. Absolute differences between models show level of mutual compatibility between models as well as areas of highest disagreements that indicate the presence of outliers or systematic errors within models. In order to demonstrate how well publicly available bathymetry models fit the true topography of the sea floor, grids were compared to high-resolution digital bathymetry model interpolated from the multibeam survey in the area of Murter Sea. This paper should assist in the choice of a most suited bathymetry grid in future maritime studies in the Adriatic.

Seasonal Shellfishing across the East Adriatic Mesolithic-Neolithic Transition: Oxygen Isotope Analysis of Phorcus turbinatus from Vela Spila (Croatia)

ABSTRACT The Mesolithic-Neolithic transition is a classic topic of archaeological discussion, and the East Adriatic is of particular interest as a gateway region for agriculture entering Europe from the Near East. Neolithisation along the East Adriatic coast has been characterised as a two-wave process of leap-frog demographic replacement along the Dalmatian coast, followed by a longer process of acculturation further inland. Research on this transition primarily addresses the arrival of Neolithic technology and domesticates, but the view from ‘traditionally Mesolithic’ activities can provide an alternative perspective. This pilot study highlights one such practice, identifying changes in the seasonality of shellfish gathering over the Neolithic transition using material from Vela Spila, Korčula (Croatia). Specimens of the gastropod Phorcus turbinatus from across this transition were assessed using oxygen isotope analysis. Results showed a focus on summer and autumn collection during the Mesolithic, which then shifted to autumn and winter in the Neolithic. These results indicate differences in shellfish gathering and exploitation across the Neolithic transition, and implications for the demographic transition and human-environment interactions are discussed. Shellfishing in the East Adriatic is identified as an area of Neolithisation rather than Mesolithic continuity.

Changes of a sand dune system and vegetation between 1950 and 2015 on Velika plaža (Montenegro, E Mediterranean)

The aim of our work is the diachronic analysis, over the past more than 60 years, of the vegetation changes in sand dunes along east Adriatic coast. We made transect surveys to detect zonation of sand dune plant communities and compared aerial photos from years 1950 and 1979 and habitat map from 2015 for landscape changes. We identified 9 plant communities, further classified into 7 EU habitats. The results show an increase of forested areas, mostly pine plantations and urban areas that were absent in 1950s. Significant decrease in area is evident in the vegetation of sand dunes, wetlands, and grasslands due to newly appeared roads, parking facilities, urban and ruderal areas. Roads and touristic facilities are also reason for fragmentation of sand dunes. Study of sand dunes changes shows differences in habitat distribution and spatial extent as results of human activities in last decades. Such historical analyses are important for management and conservation strategies of sandy coasts.

The Repetitive DNA Composition in the Natural Pesticide Producer Tanacetum cinerariifolium: Interindividual Variation of Subtelomeric Tandem Repeats

Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip.), a plant species endemic to the east Adriatic coast, is used worldwide for production of the organic insecticide, pyrethrin. Most studies concerning Dalmatian pyrethrum have focused on its morphological and biochemical traits relevant for breeding. However, little is known about the chromosomal evolution and genome organization of this species. Our study aims are to identify, classify, and characterize repetitive DNA in the T. cinerariifolium genome using clustering analysis of a low coverage genomic dataset. Repetitive DNA represents about 71.63% of the genome. T. cinerariifolium exhibits linked 5S and 35S rDNA configuration (L-type). FISH reveals amplification of interstitial telomeric repeats (ITRs) in T. cinerariifolium. Of the three newly identified satellite DNA families, TcSAT1 and TcSAT2 are located subterminally on most of T. cinerariifolium chromosomes, while TcSAT3 family is located intercalary within the longer arm of two chromosome pairs. FISH reveals high levels of polymorphism of the TcSAT1 and TcSAT2 sites by comparative screening of 28 individuals. TcSAT2 is more variable than TcSAT1 regarding the number and position of FISH signals. Altogether, our data highlights the dynamic nature of DNA sequences associated with subtelomeres in T. cinerariifolium and suggests that subtelomeres represent one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving regions in eukaryotic genomes.

The Artistic Patronage of the Confraternities of Schiavoni and Albanians in the Marche Region. The Promotion of the “National” Saints in Pesaro

Starting in the 15th century, groups of Schiavoni and Albanians moved from the East Adriatic coast to the Marche region for several reasons. In order to fight suspicion and prejudice, these “unwanted minorities” would frequently gather in confraternities (well documented from Pesaro to Ascoli Piceno) that fostered their members’ integration into the civic and religious life of the new country. The essay examines the artistic patronage of these confraternities, which promoted the cult of specific saints, using Pesaro as an example. Here, the confraternity of Schiavoni is documented from 1477, and its chapel was decorated with a surviving early 16thcentury fresco, which also features the patron saint of the Illyrians, St. Jerome. On the other hand, the only evidence of an Albanian collective identity in Pesaro is represented by a 15th-century fresco of St. Veneranda, preserved in the church of a village bearing the same name. St. Veneranda is a Balkan saint, highly venerated throughout the Marche by the Albanians.

Intra-varietal variability and genetic relationships among the homonymic East Adriatic olive ( Olea europaea L.) varieties

Abstract The intensive exchange and diffusion of plant material over the whole Mediterranean Basin including the East Adriatic region, has contributed to the confusion in denomination of olive varieties, and formation of a large number of synonyms and homonyms. In the present study, we report on clonal diversity and genetic relationships among a total of 190 olive trees sampled along the East Adriatic coast in Slovenia (SVN), Croatia (HRV) and Montenegro (MNE). Samples belonged to the six East Adriatic olive varieties with homonymic denomination: ‘Istrska belica’ (SVN), ‘Bjelica’ (HRV), ‘Žutica’ (MNE), ‘Crnica’ (SVN), ‘Crnica’ (HRV), and ‘Crnica’ (MNE). Results showed polymorphism in all twelve microsatellite markers (DCA3, DCA9, DCA11, DCA14, DCA16, DCA18, EMO03, EMO90, GAPU101, GAPU103A, GAPU71B and UDO99-019), revealing a total of 83 alleles. A total of 36 different genotypes in the panel of 190 samples were found. Genetic profiling of six homonymic East Adriatic olive varieties revealed four different varieties: 1) ‘Istrska belica’ (SVN), 2) ‘Bjelica’ (HRV)/‘Žutica’ (MNE), 3) ‘Crnica’ (HRV)/‘Crnica’ (MNE) and 4) ‘Crnica’ (SVN). Detailed clonal and genetic relationship analyses demonstrated genetic uniformity of ‘Istrska belica’ (SVN), negligible low diversity of ‘Crnica’ (SVN), and moderate diversity of ‘Crnica’ (HRV)/‘Crnica’ (MNE). Polyclonal property was assigned to only ‘Bjelica’ (HRV)/‘Žutica’ (MNE) variety. High genetic similarity between ‘Bjelica’ (HRV)/‘Žutica’ (MNE), and ‘Crnica’ (HRV)/‘Crnica’ (MNE), with different distribution of clones within them, reflects the past selection and propagation processes in Croatia and Montenegro. For the first time, international synonymy of ‘Žutica’ (MNE) and ‘Bjelica’ (HRV), and homonymy of ‘Istrska belica’ (SVN) and ‘Bjelica’ (HRV)/‘Žutica’ (MNE), as well as ‘Crnica’ (SVN) and ‘Crnica’ (MNE, HRV) were reliably confirmed with DNA markers.

PERSPECTIVES OF ARCHAEOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON THE HELLENISTIC WARE FROM THE EAST ADRIATIC COAST

In this paper, the author discuses about the challenges and perspectives of archaeometric analysis on the Hellenistic ware on the East Adriatic based on hitherto published analysis. Diversity of Hellenistic types of ware – in shapes, colour of coatings and decorations – show differences in technological process, that can be understood through analysis in both archaeological and archaeometric methods. Te archaeometry increasingly plays an important role in the study of archaeological artefacts, and it is necessary to stress out the importance of the integrated archaeological – archaeometric methodological approach. Te author will propose, on the examples of Hellenistic ware production on East Adriatic coast, how to integrate archaeological and archaeometric analysis in researches and studies on ancient pottery production.

Diversity of figs (Ficus caricaL.) from the east Adriatic coast

Diversity of figs (<i>Ficus carica</i>L.) from the east Adriatic coast

Synecology of Cutandia maritima (L.) Barbey, a rare psammophytic species along the Montenegrin Coast (East Adriatic Coast)

Abstract Cutandia maritima is a circum-Mediterranean species that inhabits sandy dunes along the coast line. It is fairly frequent on the western Adriatic coast but fairly rare and possibly even non-native in the east. In Croatia, it was discovered in 1990 in Crnika Bay on the island of Rab, which was considered until 2005 to be the only site on the eastern Adriatic coast from the Gulf of Trieste in the north to Corfu in the south. In 2009, the species was briefly reported for Velika plaža (Long Beach) in Ulcinj (Montenegro) but without details about the habitat type and synecology. The aim of this paper is thus to provide a deeper insight into the ecology and synecology of C. maritima in the eastern Adriatic part of the distribution area. On Velika plaža in Ulcinj, the species was found along the whole sea-inland gradient of sand dunes, in various types of vegetation: [1210] - annual vegetation of drift lines, [2110] - embryonic shifting dunes, [2120] - shifting dunes with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes), [2220] - dunes with Euphorbia terracina, [2130*] - fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes), and also [2190] - humid dune slacks.

Shipping in Dubrovnik between the fifteenth and seventienth centuries

The maritime and land trade of the City of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) and its surroundings has always been “the corner stone” on which the grandeur of Dubrovnik, its political and economical power and culture were built. As early as 1441, the Dubrovnik trade was considered to consist of 3/4 of the maritime and only 1/4 of the land based trade. In 1181, the comunitas ragusina - the Commune of Ragusa was mentioned for the first time; as the time went by, it became the City-state. It was named The Ragusan Republic in 1430. The treaty concluded with Turkey in 1442 was in force up to the twilight of the Dubrovnik Republic (1806). It was convenient for Ragusans to have a sole ruler and a single state in their neighbourhood, not to mention how stubborn and quite often wanton ones. In his work “Mari, Gol , Isole,...” (1688.), Vincenzo Coronelli, the mapmaker, said about the Ragusans: “...They are the most ardent defenders of their freedom, putting in a great deal of effort to secure it, and at the same time, hating any kind of slavery...”. The Ragusan vessels were attacked by the pirates from Rhodes from 1507-1509 and later on. The main reason for flourishing of Ragusan shipping and trade was based upon focussing on their public life within these domains. The Ragusan Republic depended upon its investments into maritime affairs and assistance offered through stimulations, interaction of processes and consequential strengthening of its own prosperity (its enriched citizens). The Ragusan Maritime Insurance Law (Ordo super assecuratoribus) of March 5th, 1568 is the oldest enacted law in the world, and in this way it was more than a century older than legal regulations on the maritime insurance - Ordonnance de la marine of 1681. Apart from the main shipyard in the old City port (in portu interiori Ragusii, in portu Ragusii), up to the construction of the new shipyard in Gruž (1526) there were shipyards in Ston and in the nearby islands of Lopud, Šipan (in Suđurađ) and Koločep (Kalamota) already in the 14th century. Palladius Fuscus (1450-1520), in his work De situ orae Illyrici (published posthumously in 1540) cited that “there was no such a secluded part of Europe or one so inaccessible to the newcomers, where you would not encounter Ragusans practicing their merchant activity”. According to some researchers, Ragusa was the third strongest force in the Mediterranean (after Genoa and Venice) in the 14th century. The Ragusan Republic was the first in the Mediterranean in the 16th century and, in terms of their trading ocean-going sailing vessels under Ragusan and foreign flags, it was the third in the world (after Spain and the Netherlands). In his work Nautica Mediterranea (Rome, 1602, pp. 4-5), Bartolomeo Crescentio said: “...among experts and master craftsmen for galleons are the most numerous, and the most capable in this (the Mediterranean Sea, observation of the author) are Ragusans”, and Pantero Pantera in his work L’Armata Navale (Rome, 1614, p. 66) wrote down: “...while for navas and galleons building, masters of Dubrovnik, Portugal and England were highly esteemed”.”Argosy”, in fact, means “a Ragusan ship”. Many endeavours and achievements in the art of shipbuilding raise the East Adriatic coast above the West one, since it had most frequently been a successful way in which ships and men reached di erent parts of the world.