Medieval Dalmatian Principalities - Zahumlje

Zahumlje

Zahumlje (Zachlumia) got its name from the mountain of Hum near Bona, where the river Buna springs. There were two very old cities there: Bona and Hum. Zahumlje's ruling dynasty Višević or Vušević originated from the strims of the river of Vistula, somewhere in western White Serbia. They were referred to as Red Croats, but by the time of Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII's reign, they were Serbs. Zahumlje decisively resisted all attempts to be controlled from the Serbian Grand Princes to the north, and eventually its rulers asserted the Grand Princely title themselves. The land of Zahumlje spread eastwards to Kalinovik and the Fields of Gatak, where it bordered with Travunia. The actual border went along the Zachlumian line Popovo-Ljubinje-Dabar and the Byzantine enclave of Ragusa.

Zahumlje was divided into two Duchies: Upper Zahumlje and Lower Zahumlje by the Serbian rulers for easier control. Upper Zahumlje would soon be incorporated directly into Serbia, while lower would continue to exist. Zahumlje would pass through a period of vassalization to King Tomislav of Croatia, become dependent of the reconstructed Serbian realm under Duklja. After numerous dynastic struggles in the former Serbian lands, before which Zahumlje fully annexed Pagania, Zahumlje would become a direct part of the Grand Principality of Rascia.

Prince Peter of Zahumlje was elected Count of Split.