Principality of Zeta

The Principality of Zeta refers to the period when Zeta, was ruled by the families of Balšić, Lazarević/Branković, and Crnojević, respectively, from the second half of the 14th century until the Ottoman vassalage in 1514. Zeta had become virtually independent during the fall of the Serbian Empire, when Balša and his sons wrestled the region by eliminating Žarko in Lower Zeta (1360), and then Đuraš Ilijić in Upper Zeta (1362).

Background

Part of a series on the History of Montenegro Prehistory Roman Praevalitana Middle Ages and early modern Duklja Crown land of Zeta Lordship of Zeta Albania Veneta Sanjak Prince-Bishopric Modern and contemporary Principality Kingdom Zeta Oblast Zeta Banovina Italian protectorate Socialist republic Federal republic Montenegro Montenegro portal v t e

Zeta under the Balšići

Zeta in the Serbian Despotate

Zeta under the Crnojevići

Rulers

Balšić

• Balša I (1356–1362)
• Đurađ I (1362–1378)
• Balša II (1378–1385)
• Đurađ II (1385–1403)
• Balša III (1403–1421)

Lazarević/Branković

• Despot Stefan Lazarević (1421–1427)
• Despot Đurađ Branković (1427–1435)

Crnojević

• Gojčin Crnojević (1435–1451)
• Stefan I Crnojević (1451–1465)
• Ivan Crnojević (1465–1490)
• Đurađ Crnojević (1490–1496)
• Stefan II Crnojević (1496–1498)