House of Balšić

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House of Balšić
of Zeta
Image:Grb_balsici.jpg
Country: Zeta
Titles: Lord (Serbian: Господар)
Founder: Balša I
Founding year: 1356
Ethnicity: Serbian
Realm of Zeta of the House of Balšić in the 14th century
Realm of Zeta of the House of Balšić in the 14th century

The House of Balšić was a medieval serbian dynasty that ruled Zeta. It lasted from 1356 until 1435, when it was succeeded by the House of Crnojević.

Contents

[edit] Origins

Although the Balšić family was Serbian, it is certain that it was of non-Slavic origin. The basis of their surname - "Balsha" - is Romanic and it is thus suggested that they descent of the Serbianized Vlachs of old that served as warriors - proniars - and could thus easily climb the ladder of nobility in the Serbian society even to the top.

Some historians argue that the family is of Gothic origins. One theory is that the family is originally from Provence, France. Their last name might have been originally de Baux (aliter de Baulx, de Bauge). Arguably, they came from France to Zeta at the end of the 13th century (in 1272 - 1280) or possibly in the end of the 14 th century. Queen Jelena of Anjou, widow of King Uroš I of Serbia was of French noble lineage, so she decided to help the Balšić family and give them lands and titles in a part of Doclea. [1] The name Balšić would have come from the Neapolitan form of the de Baux surname, which is del Balzo.

[edit] Heads of the House and Rulers of Zeta

There were 5 rulers of the dynasty:

[edit] Family Tree

[edit] Sources and References

  1. ^ Montenegrina - Grbovi Crne Gore

Istorijski Leksion Crne Gore Book One: A-Crn, Balšići ISBN 86-7706-165-7