Ransom of Friulians from Turkish Captivity

Abstract

In the second period of Turkish invasions (from 1469 until the end of the 15th century) westwards also irruptions across the Karst of Trieste up to the river Soča and via Friuli began. They were a part of the wider planned warfare with the Venetian Republic. Especially dangerous for Venice were the invasions in the years 1477, 1478 and 1499. From Venice the Turks took many inhabitants into captivity. The ransom of the captured Friulians and Italians went over Dubrovnik. Beside the inhabitants of Dubrovnik also the Venetians and merchants from other Italian towns took part in that trade. On the basis of archives of Dubrovnik the author describes the financial operations at the ransom of the captured Friulians.