Kačić noble family

House of Kačić
Country Croatia, Hungary
Titles Comes, Knez, Ban, Conte
Founded 11th century

The Kačić family (Croatian: Kačići, Hungarian: Kacsics, Latin: Cacich) was one of the most influental Croatian noble families, and was one of the Croatian "twelve noble tribes" written in Pacta conventa and Supetar Cartulary.[1][2] In the historical sources are recognized as nobles in the area of the Luka županija in Zadar-Biograd hinterland (12-16th century), as the lords (knezes) of Omiš (12-13th century), and the lords of the Makarska Riviera (15-16h century).[1] Another prominent noble branch existed in Hungary.[1]

Etymology

Etymologically it most likely derives from the Slavic word kača (snake),[3] but such a common term like Kačić is not widespread.[3] However, as the term Kačić is of Slavic origin, from it can be concluded that Hungarian Kačićs (Kacsics) are not of Hungarian origin.[3] In Latin sources are recorded also in the form de genere Chacittorum, generatione Cacich, genus Chacittorum, nobiles de Cacich, Caçici, Cacicii, Cacicli, Caciki, Cazethi, Cazichi, Cazziki, Chacichi and Kazzeti.[2] Their name should not be mistaken with the similar name of another noble family Kašić (Chasich), and its derivations (Kasig, Kasige).[2]

History

The Kačić's family can be dated to the Pacta conventa, an alleged agreement from 1102 (or later) according which the Kačić's were one of the twelve Croatian noble tribes (genus) who accepted the Hungarian king Coloman as the new Croatian king.[4] They were represented by comes Juraj Kačić (Comittem Gurram de genere Chaçittorum).[4] According the Supetar Cartulary, they were one of the six of twelve tribes from which were elected bans, and which elected a new king in the case of king's death without any heirs.[2]

The social distinction between noble Kačićs in the Zadar-Biograd hinterland and the princely (knezes) Kačićs from Omiš remains for now unresolved,[5] but are considered somehow related.[2] For the connection is considered Hodimir, mentioned 1207 in a charter of St. Peter's Church in Bubnjani near Tinj, while his son Nikola was an Omiš knez.[2] The Kačić family originated in the Zadar hinterland to the Krka river, and probably when the king Petar Krešimir IV mastered the Pagania, some of them moved to the area between the Cetina and Neretva rivers.[2][6]

In the 12th and 13th century Kačićs possessed lands in the Zadar hinterland, in the wider area of Tinj, Nadin, Kačina Gorica, Kokićani and Kamenjani.[2] From the half of 14th and in 15th century, Podnadin, Bistrovina, Butina, Kačina Gorica, Suhovaram, Grguricavas and Krneza, and wider area around those villages.[2] The center of the genus was in Nadin,[7] for some Zadar, Nin and possibly Pag, where is mentioned "dominum Caçigh".[2] According M. Marković, in the early times the lands West of Nadin were ruled by the tribe Lapčan, while in the East by family Kašić.[7] Family name of the Kačićs can be found in the toponyms Kačina Gorica, Kačišćina (alleged second name for Bistrovina), Kačićić (Chacichich) and Kačić (Cacich).[2]

The first mention of Kačićs is considered 1165, when the Byzantine chronicler John Kinnamos said that under the Byzantine rule came 57 cities in Croatia and Dalmatia as well the "nation Kačićs".[8] The Kačićs were mostly recorded in the scope of sales contracts and lands disputes, or as witnesses.[2] In 1182, the first explicitly mentioned noblemen as members of the genus Kačić are Miroš Kačić and his son Dobroš (1166-82),[4] previously also Miroš father Toljen (1164-66), the judge of Tinj,[9] Toliš Kačić with sons Juraj and Deško, Premko Kačić with sons Dragoš and Pribislav, and likely Otra with his son Dragoslav.[9]

In the 14th century the family members start to call themselves with family names with the adjective "de generatione Cacich".[2] In the next period the Kačićs can be traced through three families.[2][10][11] In the 15-17th century a branch settled in the wider area of Cazin and Bosanska Krupa, where in 1487 was a dispute between them and Babonić noble family.[2] The last mention of Nadin Kačićs dates back to 1527, when Šimun (Simon) is in the citadel of Zadar, after pressure from the Ottoman conquest.[2]

Omiš branch

Mirabella Fortress (Peovica), where the Kačićs and pirates of Omiš had their main hideout.

In 1167, was mentioned the first known knez of Omiš, Nikola, with his relatives and everyone under his lordship, in a peace treaty with Kotor.[12] Knez Nikola was enough powerful and independent that along previous Šibenik iupanus, then of Brač and Hvar, Breueco (Brenti, Brevko, Brečko) also of genus Kačić,[13] in 1180 beneath Mosor executed Rogerije, the Archbishop of Split and representative governor of Croatia by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, because of estate dispute around Mosor.[14][15] In 1178-79, the conte Nicola Aprico who dealt twice dispute settlement in Split is considered to be the already named Nikola.[16] In 1190, Nikola established a peace treaty with Dubrovnik, and like in the case with Kotor, they were granted safe and free navigation from Molunat to Orebić (Trstenica).[17]

It seems that the area of Omiš principality included the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis, and probably at some point Korčula, while it is uncertain if the land included coastal Poljica and Žrnovnica to the North and Makarska coast to the South.[2][18] In the 13th century the center of the principality undoubtedly was Omiš, and with the title of Omiš knez (comes) the sources also mentioned the title of knez for the islands.[2] In the 13th century the terms Kačićs (Kačići) and residents of Omiš (Omišani) are identified, making it sometimes hard to reliably identify members of the genus.[2] However, it seems that the princely titles were held only by the Kačićs.[2] They have achieved a large degree of independence from the central government and imposed its name to the whole region.[2][19] They were known for piracy in the Adriatic, clashes with Venice, and were even accused of Patarene heresy.[2][19][15]

In 1208, Kačićs and Omiš citizens made a peace treaty with Venice, and in the document by knez Sebena are additionally mentioned brothers Desislav, Radoš, Dragan, Bogdan and Sinko.[2] However, in the February of 1215, Kačićs are for first time mentioned for piracy.[2] In 1220, the Hungarian-Croatian king Andrew II threatened knez Malduč and his relatives if they don't stop with piracy and heresy will be punished by the royal army.[2] In May of 1221, Pope Honorius III send legate Aconcius to the citizens of Split, among others to prevent piracy and defend the Crusaders.[2] In 1222, the pope seeks help from residents of Dubrovnik to help against the activity of Bosnian heretics and Omiš pirates.[2] His activity, as well of Archbishop of Split, Guncel, resulted with a temporal peace treaty with Kačići Omišani (Cacecli Almesiani).[2]

In 1232, Venetians mentioned that Dubrovnik was not allowed to accept Kačićs and Omišani, and if Venetians send ships against Kačićs, Dubrovnik must join the Venetians with a ship of at least 50 people.[2] In May of 1239, knezes Nikola of Hodimir and Pribislav of Malduč claimed bail for the Omišani who looted ship and murdered Dubrovnik nobleman Grubeša, and committed to compensate the looted from personal property.[2] In 1239, in Omiš knez Nikola and his relatives made peace between Zachlumia and Split, and around the same time, Malduš nephew Toljen ravaged Split inland.[2] The Split army in the first half of 1240, at the time of Split potestas Gargano, and Malduč sons Pribislav and Osor on Hvar and Brač, after an unsuccessful attack on Omiš, captured Brač.[2] In March of 1244, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II threatened with a conflict if the Omišani do not compensate the damage incurred along the Apulian coast.[2] In March of 1245, knez Nikola of Hodimir, with hundred Omiš citizes and knezes Pribislav, Osor, Juraj, Radoš (son of Bogdan), Slomir, and Prodan (son of Dragan), made a treaty with Dubrovnik according wich if the king attacks Dubrovnik, and calls Kačićs and Omišani for help, they will help him with the least possible forces.[2]

In 1252-54, Juraj helped Stefan Uroš I of Serbia in war with Dubrovnik as was married with his daughter.[2] In 1256, there was a dispute between knez Osor and city Trogir for village Bijaći, resulted by king Béla IV and ban Stjepan.[2] In 1258, when the king confirmed rights to the Omišani, knezes Osor and Radoš are called as "kingdom noblemen".[2] In the 1261-62 document is mentioned knez Radoš, while in document from 1262, in which Dubrovnik payed blood feud to the relatives of murdered Omišani, as knezes are mentioned Radoš and Juraj, and the Omišani promised not to cause any harm to the Dubrovnik residents.[2] In 1267-68, the Doge warned the citizens of Split for helping Omiš pirates, in 1271, the pirates looted the ship by Archbishop of Trani, and in 1273, two pirates Stanoj and Saracen looted bishop Kefalinije Henrik.[2] In June and September of 1274, Charles I of Naples signed an alliance with Split and Šibenik against Omiš pirates, and they responded by alliance with Venice in August, signed by knezes Radoš, Bogdan, Juraj and Semen, and according which signed a peace treaty with Venice for 20 years.[2] In 1275 started the conflict on the land and sea, the activities in the intermediate years are unknown, besides that in April of 1278 islands Hvar and Brač recognized Venetian authority, and in 1281 the Omiš itself.[2]

At the end of the 13th century, they were involved in politics of more powerful authorities, and their local hereditary oligarchy disappeared, but they probably continued to live in the area.[19] The war with Venice at the end of 1270s and the beginning of the 1280s led to the loss of Omiš in favor of princes from Šubić noble family.[2] Identified with to Omišani, Kačićs are mentioned for the last time in 1294, when the Venetians wrote to Dubrovnik residents to pay compensation as did not armed ship against them.[2] It is not known whether Ivan, son of Matej Kačić, who was 1285 mentioned in Dubrovnik related to the Kačićs who were lords of Omiš.[2] After that, Kačićs are no longer mentioned.[19]

Notable members

Makarska branch

Gradac is naturally protected by Biokovo mountain, making it mainly accessible by the sea.

In the 15th century sources Kačićs appear in the Makarska Riviera (Krajina),[6] most likely as the descendants of Omiš branch Kačićs.[2][19] According the geneaology preserved by the most well known member of the family, Andrija Kačić Miošić, one branch of the family went to Hungary, and there fought with Zagar noble family.[2] They returned to Dalmatia, one brother to Zadar, another to Šibenik, and the last two in Makarska Riviera, where started to build castles in Gradac and Trpanj, as well pirate activity up to Apulia.[2]

First known member of Makarska branch is Vrsajko, and according the geneaology, they branched out from his son Baran (second half of 14th century).[2] Baran sons Vukašin, Vukić, Andrijaš and Baran partially are mentioned in documents; Bosnian king Stephen Ostoja in 1417 confirmed rights of his vassals Vukašin, Baran and Juraj Vukačić for Makar, Drvenik, Pasičina, Miluse, Lapčanj (Gradac), which were previously confirmed by Bosnian ban Stephen II Kotromanić and Bosnian king Tvrtko I.[2]

In July of 1452 in Venice, Grubiša sought in the name of his family and all residents of Krajina to become Venetian vassals.[2] Venice accepted their request, confirmed their old customs, allowed the foundation of fort and port in Makar, and forgiven older violence.[2] Thus, the Kačićs and residents of Krajina fought at their own expense between Neretva and Cetina rivers, and gave taxes to Venice.[2]

In 1498, Venetian confidant on Hvar reported the Ottoman preparation of 25 ships for sea attack on Krajina and Kačićs, and the next year they became Ottoman subjects.[2] In 1500, Split monarch reported to Venice that Ottomans captured several delegates from Split, and that safely arrived in Mostar only thanks to certain knez Juraj Marković, Ottoman subject and Venetian friend.[2] Marković wrote from Makarska to Venice that was knez for 15 years and was always Venetian friend.[2] At Marković collection and archive D. Papalić found the Croatian redaction of Chronicle of the Priest of Duklja.[2]

During the Ottoman rule Kačićs were only partially mentioned, but still lived there.[2] From the beginning 17th century again can be traced in the documents, but as family members of several branches descending from the coastal princes.[2] In 17-18th centuries, the family continued to branch out and become independent genera, and the names usually carried a combination with "Kačić", as well had the title of "conte".[2]

According the geneaology, from Vukašin sons Vukmir, Grubiša, Radoja and Radonja emerged three branches. Per settlement, Vukmir's descendants are known as Kačićs of Gradac, while of Radonja and Grubiša Kačićs of Brist.[2] From first emerged Juričević, Viskić (Visko), Stipić, Pekić (Peko) and Bartolović (older Sladojević), while from the second Miošić, Aleksić (Alesić), Žarković and Barišić.[2]

From Baran son Vukić from Kotišina emerged Terzić, Šimunović (extinct in 17th century), Marković, and probably Begić.[2] From Baran son Andrijaš emerged Šiljić (Šilje), Perić, Klarević (Čavelić), Baše (Bašić) and Filipčević.[2] Kačićs from Makar divided to Andrijašević and Mitrović.[2] From Baran son Baran emerged family Baranović.[2]

Notable members

Hungarian branch

The ruins of Salgó Castle
The ruins of Hollókő Castle.

Several scholars considered Hungarian Kacsics might have been descendants of Omiš Kačićs.[2][19][22] They are mentioned in the 13th century, in Northern counties Nógrád, Salgó and Hollókő.[2]

First mentioned noblemen are brothers Michael Kacsics and Simon Kacsics, bans of Slavonia (1212; somewhere 1213-1218).[2][23] Simon took part in the murder of Queen Gertrude of Merania (24 September 1213) and therefore King Andrew II of Hungary confiscated his possessions.[24] In the next two generations, the genus branched into seven lineages and many families.[2] Michael's son Falkos (1255) possessions were located at Szécsény and Nógrád, and was the founder of genus Libercsei, from which emerged powerful Szécsényi family, Geréb of Vingárta, and Farkas of Szeszárme.[24][25] To the Szécsényi belonged Kónya, ban of Croatia (1366–67), while to the Geréb Matthias, ban of Croatia (1483–92).[2][25]

The members of the gens accepted the supremacy of Máté Csák III, one of the most powerful oligarchs of the kingdom, around 1300; only one of them, Thomas Szécsényi became the partisan of King Charles I. Consequently, the king granted him his relatives' possessions following his victories over the oligarch.[24]

Notable members

References

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Majnarić 2004, p. 8.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62 2.63 2.64 2.65 2.66 2.67 2.68 2.69 2.70 Majnarić 2005.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Majnarić 2009, p. 49.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Majnarić 2004, p. 11.
  5. ↑ Majnarić 2005, p. 28.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Marković & 2003 83.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Marković & 2003 56.
  8. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 13-14.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Majnarić 2004, p. 12.
  10. ↑ Majnarić 2005, p. 25-46.
  11. ↑ Majnarić 2006, p. 1-23.
  12. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 14-17.
  13. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 25-29.
  14. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 13-14, 21-22.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Marković & 2003 58.
  16. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 13.
  17. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 17.
  18. ↑ Majnarić 2004, p. 17-18.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 Croatian Encyclopaedia 2011.
  20. ↑ Bosna i Hercegovina: iseljenički kalendar. Matica iseljenika SR Bosne i Hercegovine. 1969. Hrvatski feudalac i gospodar Neretvanske krajine Đuro Kačić imao je za ženu kćerku srpskog kralja Vladislava. Ona je od oca dobila miraz. O ovome nas 1276. godine obavještava jedno pismo na srpskohrvatskom jeziku Đure Kačića.
  21. ↑ Journal of Croatian Studies. Croatian Academy of America. 1988. p. 124. The Croatian Cyrillic Letter of Duke Đure Kačić of Omiš (list OmiSkog kneza Đure Kačiča) to Dubrovnik was written in 1276.
  22. ↑ Majnarić 2009, p. 50-51.
  23. ↑ Majnarić 2009, p. 50.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Kristó, Gyula (editor): Korai Magyar Történeti Lexikon - 9-14. század (Encyclopedia of the Early Hungarian History - 9-14th centuries); Akadémiai Kiadó, 1994, Budapest; ISBN 963-05-6722-9.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Marković & 2003 36.

Sources

Further reading