Развитак војне службе као основ формирања властеоског слоја у српској средњовековној држави

Miloš, Ivanović

Vojnoistorijski glasnik

1

30

48

0042-8442

https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=763246

2014-2021/10/18/10:20:03

Summary/Abstract: Initial point for this research represented quote from one Serbian medieval writing stating that society consists from three groups: priests, plowmen and soldiers. This division in West Europe actually shaped already in 9th century. Induced by this quote we have tried to establish coherency between developments of military service with creation of privileged nobility. After arrival to the Balkans among local Slavs, therefore among Serbs there is no visible social differentiation based on profession. Social stratification was additionally encouraged by Christianization creating initial very thin layer of clergy. On the other hand, conversion to Christianity contributed to strengthening of ruling houses placing them above the rest of society. Occasional submission of Serbian lands to Byzantine Empire or Bulgaria slow down creation of local elites. Process of political emancipation from Byzantine rule, which started in Doclea during 11th and its successful continuation in Raska during 12 century wouldn’t be feasible without existence of group of “professional soldiers”. Confirmation could be found in writings of Byzantine writers as well in certain archeological sites. By the end of 12th century in Serbia appeared new type o soldier - armored cavalryman. Almost simultaneously appeared group of dependent inhabitants tied to land which was supposed to secure nobility with sufficient revenues. By the beginning of 13th century in hagiographies and charts beside nobility as separate social category appeared soldiers. Analyses of sources showed that both belonged to the class of warriors while nobility was entitled to higher titles and governing positions. In time, soldiers stop being separate social category and enter the ranks of nobility whose main obligation was warfare. By the mid 14th century this was confirmed by the Emperor Dusan Code. Thanks to its privileges nobility clearly differed from Vlachs among whom some were obliged to participate in war.

hierarchy, horse, middle ages, military service, nobleman, Serbia, Serbian state, service, soldier, weapons